JP2022543218A - clothing processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure provides a cabinet with an open front; a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the front; an inner surface of the door positioned in a direction toward the first chamber; a first chamber for storing clothes; a second chamber located below the first chamber and forming a space separated from the first chamber; A blower unit for circulating the air in the chamber; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for supplying steam to the first chamber. a base plate fixed to the inner surface of the door; and a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate and a second panel rotatably coupled to the first panel. a panel assembly in which the arrangement of the first panel and the second panel can be changed by rotating one panel and the second panel.

Description

The present invention relates to clothes processing equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus that removes wrinkles from clothes by applying compression and tension to the clothes while exposing the clothes to steam.

2. Description of the Related Art A clothes processor is a device developed for washing and drying clothes and removing wrinkles on clothes at homes and dry cleaners. Classifications of clothes processing equipment include washers for washing clothes, dryers for drying clothes, washer/dryers having both washing and drying functions, and refreshers for refreshing clothes. ), a steamer for removing wrinkles from clothes, and the like.

A refresher is a device for keeping clothes comfortable and clean. The refresher dries clothes, adds fragrance to clothes, prevents static electricity, and removes wrinkles from clothes.

A steamer is a device that supplies steam to clothes to remove wrinkles on clothes. Unlike general irons, steam does not apply heat directly to clothes (for example, a method in which a hard object is brought into contact with clothes), but removes wrinkles by applying heat to clothes through convection.

Physical force, heat and steam (or moisture) are required to remove wrinkles from clothing. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1285890 discloses an apparatus for removing wrinkles using a moving hanger. That is, after a hanger is hung on a clothes supporter called a moving hanger, the clothes supporter is vertically reciprocated to vibrate the clothes to remove dust, and steam and heat are applied to remove wrinkles. However, this is a method using the self-weight and vibration of clothes, and wrinkle-removing performance differs depending on the material of the clothes. The problem is that it is not completely removed.

U.S. Publication No. US005815961A describes a method of hanging clothes on an inflatable hanger and then injecting steam and heated air into the interior of the hanger to expand the clothes and remove wrinkles. However, there is a problem that the device required for wrinkle removal, such as an inflatable hanger, occupies too much volume.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0009718 discloses a method using a pressing plate to press the clothes and a fixing plate to support and fix the clothes in order to apply a physical compressive force to remove the wrinkles of the clothes. disclosed. However, there are problems in that the number of clothes that can be processed at one time is limited due to the size and complicated structure of the pressing structure, and that there is a limit to the pressing force that can be applied due to space constraints. In addition, there is a problem that only the wrinkles of the lower garment such as the second garment can be removed.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a clothes processing apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems resulting from the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

This disclosure addresses the problem of removing wrinkles by increasing physical force in a confined space.

This disclosure addresses the problem of removing top/bottom wrinkles rather than just removing existing bottom wrinkles.

This disclosure addresses the issue of ironing the sleeve portion of a lower garment or outer garment by applying tensile forces as well as compressive forces.

This disclosure addresses applying tensile or compressive forces to garments simply by changing the physical configuration of the arrangement.

Additional advantages, objects and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following, or may be derived from practice of the invention. . The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

This disclosure applies physical force (either tensile or compressive force) to a first garment (top garment) and a second garment (bottom garment) by means of panel assemblies 140 having various forms of arrangement followed by heated air or steam. To implement a clothing processing apparatus that exposes and removes wrinkles.

This disclosure also embodies a garment treating apparatus that hangs a first garment and a second garment simultaneously and then exposes them to heated air or steam to remove wrinkles.

In order to solve the above problems, a cabinet with an open front; a door that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the front; an inner surface of the door located in a direction toward the first chamber; a first chamber positioned in the first chamber for containing clothes; a second chamber positioned below the first chamber and forming a space separated from the first chamber; a first chamber provided in the second chamber; A blower unit for circulating the air in the chamber; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air; a steam unit provided in the second chamber for supplying steam to the first chamber; and a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or baseplate and a second panel rotatably coupled to the first panel, wherein rotation of the first panel and the second panel rotates the first panel. and a panel assembly capable of altering the arrangement of the second panel; and a garment treatment apparatus.

The panel assembly is selectively changed into a triangular first array having an acute angle between the first panel and the second panel or a second array having the first panel and the second panel folded and overlapped; Applying a tensile force to a first garment hung over the panel assembly in one arrangement, or applying a compressive force to a second garment positioned between the panel assembly and the base plate by rotating toward the base plate in a second arrangement to create wrinkles. can be removed.

The panel assembly rotates toward the base plate to engage the door inner surface while maintaining an acute angle between the first panel and the second panel in the first orientation.

The panel assembly is positioned between the first panel and the base plate with the second panel rotated relative to the first panel in a second orientation, and the second garment is positioned between the second panel and the base plate.

The panel assembly further includes a first hinge rotatably coupling the first panel to the door or baseplate; and a second hinge rotatably coupling the first and second panels.

a catch assembly provided on the door for coupling the panel assembly to the door, the second hinge comprising a hinge interlock for coupling the panel assembly to the catch assembly in the second orientation.

The second panel includes an auxiliary interlock provided at a side edge of the second panel farther from the second hinge to couple the second panel to the catch assembly in the first arrangement.

The hinge interlock includes a hinge projection inserted into the catch assembly; wherein when the second panel rotates in the first rotational direction to change the panel assembly from the second orientation to the first orientation, the hinge projection is It rotates in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction so that the hinge protrusion is positioned in the opposite direction to which the first garment is hung.

On the other hand, the panel assembly can be further changed to a third arrangement in which the first panel and the second panel are rotated with respect to each other to open in a plane, and the first and second panels are arranged before being changed to the first arrangement. A first garment can be hung on the panel assembly in three arrangements.

After hanging the first garment in the third arrangement, the panel assembly rotates toward the second garment supported by the base plate to press the base plate to simultaneously remove wrinkles in the first and second garments. .

The panel assembly further includes hangers for hanging clothes.

a first panel rotatably mounted on top of the first panel and comprising a first partial hanger which is part of the hanger; and a second panel rotatably mounted on top of the second panel and comprising the remainder of the hanger a second part hanger that is part;

The first section hanger and the second section hanger each further include extensions that are adjustable according to the size of the garment hung on the panel assembly.

On the other hand, it further includes a clip for fixing clothing hung on the panel assembly.

The clip includes an upper end inclined in the width direction of the door, an upper clip positioned above the first panel and the second panel, the upper clip inserting a part of the clothing hung on the panel assembly. can be fixed.

Also, the clip is positioned below the upper clip for fixing a part of the garment hung on the panel assembly, is positioned at the other end of both side ends of the first panel and the second panel, and The second panel further includes a lower clip rotatably coupled to one of the two side ends and positioned opposite to the one side end of the second panel.

The lower clip includes a protruding bump-out lock for maintaining the open state of the lower clip.

The lower clip further includes a biasing member for maintaining the lower clip secured to the garment. The bias member comprises a spring.

The lower clip further includes a non-slip pad on the clothing-contacting surface to prevent the clothing from slipping. The material of the non-slip pad is rubber.

Meanwhile, it further includes a tension clip for applying tension to the ends of the first garment and the second garment. For a first garment, such as a shirt, the tension is applied to the sleeve portion of the first garment, and for a second garment, such as trousers, the tension is applied to the end of the waist portion of the trouser.

On the other hand, it further includes an auxiliary pressure plate rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate and positioned between the panel assembly and the base plate, so that wrinkles on the second garment positioned between the auxiliary pressure plate and the base plate can be removed at the same time. can.

The auxiliary pressure plate includes an auxiliary groove recessed in the longitudinal direction of the door to prevent the seams of the second garment from being pressed.

a first opening penetrating through the thickness of the first panel; a first opening penetrating through the thickness of the second panel corresponding to the first opening when the first and second panels are folded and overlapped; and an auxiliary opening penetrating through the auxiliary pressure plate in a thickness direction, wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed in a panel assembly in which the first panel and the second panel are folded and overlapped. and a secondary opening is also provided at a position corresponding to the central opening. This is to allow the steam to easily permeate the first and second garments when exposed to steam in the first chamber.

The panel assembly further includes a third panel rotationally coupled to the second panel, the second panel and the auxiliary pressure plate are arranged side by side, and the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the auxiliary pressure plate form a trapezoidal third panel. Arranged in an array to apply a tensile force to the first garment.

The panel assembly further includes a third panel rotationally coupled to the second panel; and a fourth panel rotationally coupled to the third panel, wherein the first, second, third and fourth panels are W-shaped. The arrangement is selectively changed to a first arrangement or a second arrangement in which the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, the fourth panel and the base plate are pentagonal, depending on the width of the garment to be hung on the panel assembly. The arrangement can be changed to remove wrinkles in clothes.

Also, the panel assembly is removable from the door or base plate. This allows the panel assemblies to be separated and individually stored or stored in the first chamber.

On the other hand, the sum of the lengths of the first panel and the second panel is greater than the inner width of the first chamber. This is possible because the first and second panels are deformed for efficient use of space.

A cabinet with an open front; a door that is rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the front; an inner surface of the door located in the direction toward the first chamber; a first chamber to accommodate; a second chamber positioned below the first chamber to form a space separated from the first chamber; provided in the second chamber to circulate air in the first chamber A blowing unit; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air; a steam unit provided in the second chamber for supplying steam to the first chamber; a base plate fixed to the inner surface of the door. an auxiliary pressure plate rotatably coupled to the door or base plate and positioned between the panel assemblies; and a plurality of panels including a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or base plate; A panel assembly comprising at least one or more panels arranged such that one side edge of each panel abuts one side edge of an adjacent panel and is rotatably coupled to the adjacent panel; and the arrangement of the plurality of panels in the panel assembly provides a clothing treatment apparatus selectively variable by rotation of each panel.

According to this disclosure, wrinkles can be removed by increasing physical force in a confined space.

According to this disclosure, top/bottom wrinkles can be removed as opposed to removing only existing bottom wrinkles.

According to this disclosure, tension as well as compression forces may be applied to iron the sleeve portion of a lower garment or outer garment.

According to this disclosure, tensile or compressive forces can be applied to the garment simply by changing the physical alignment.

According to this disclosure, consumer satisfaction can be improved.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The accompanying drawings also illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings follows.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a clothes processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device provided in a second chamber provided on the lower side of the clothes processing apparatus. FIG. 3(a) is an example of a panel assembly (bi-fold panel assembly) provided in a door, showing a folded configuration before clothes are hung. FIG. 3(b) shows the tensioning configuration after the first garment is hung on the panel assembly shown in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4(a) is an illustration of an embodiment of a panel assembly provided on a door, showing the panel assembly opened prior to pressurizing the second garment. FIG. 4(b) shows the panel assembly shown in FIG. 4(a) rotated to join the base plate on the door to press the second garment. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show one embodiment of each garment handling apparatus with the door and panel assembly coupled (closed) and the panel assembly substantially closed prior to hanging the garments. FIG. 3 shows an open, substantially coplanar configuration in the same planar configuration; 5(c) and 5(d) are diagrams showing another embodiment of the panel assembly. FIG. 6(a) is a view showing the rear surface of the clip shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 5(d). FIG. 6(b) is a view showing that the clip provided on the panel assembly of FIG. 5(d) is open. FIG. 6(c) is a detailed view of one of the clips seen in the open state of FIG. 5(b). FIG. 6(d) is a rear view of a portion of the clip to show the anti-slip pad in detail. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate the application of a tensile force after the garment is hung on the panel assembly shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are detailed views of the hinge connecting portion between the panels, separating one embodiment of the panel assembly in the door of the laundry processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another embodiment of an adjustable clothes hanger in the clothes processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing the steps of the door and panel assembly provided in one embodiment of the clothes processing apparatus in chronological order to hang the clothes and apply a pulling force. 11(a) and 11(b) are a perspective view and a plan view showing the panel assembly and the panel assembly closed and connected to the door in the clothes processing apparatus of FIG. 12(a) and 12(b) are a perspective view and a plan view showing the panel assembly and the door under tension in the clothes processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. Figures 13(a)-13(d) show the garment processing apparatus shown in Figure 1, which is positioned flush with the panel before the garment is hung on the panel assembly and rotated to hang the garment on the panel assembly. It is the perspective view and top view which show having opened. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show the closed panel assembly with clips positioned flush with the outer surface of the panel to secure the garment to apply tension to the garment; be. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are enlarged panel assemblies provided on the door of the garment handling machine of Figure 1 to show the biasing features of the partial clips for securing the garments; It is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 16 shows a garment processing apparatus further including an auxiliary pressure plate for pressing the second garment (underwear) between the panel assembly and the base plate. FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are diagrams showing an example using a panel assembly and an auxiliary pressure plate when an auxiliary pressure plate is further present. Figures 18(a) through 18(c) illustrate various embodiments of panel assemblies including multiple panels.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The device configuration and control method described later are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Also, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Certain terminology used in this specification is for convenience of description only and is not limiting of the illustrated embodiments. For example, expressions such as "same" and "identical" include not only exactly the same state, but also states with tolerances or differences to the extent that the same function is obtained.

In this specification, "wrinkles" means wrinkles attached to clothing after wearing or after washing and drying, and are not pleats attached for design or function from the beginning, but are attached to clothing due to use. or unintentional wrinkles during washing or drying. Therefore, it is necessary to remove it with an iron or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example clothes processing apparatus 1000 according to various embodiments of this disclosure. A second chamber (mechanical chamber) 14 provided below in the clothes processing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 1 includes a device for generating heated air and steam.

A clothes processing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cabinet 10 having a door 20 for opening and closing the front of the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 forms a processing chamber (first chamber) 12 with an open front. do.

The interior of the cabinet 10 is divided into an upper side and a lower side by a partition plate 11 and a first chamber 12 is formed in the upper side of the cabinet 10 . On the other hand, the partition plate means the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber, and the clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a cabinet 10 with an open front, a first chamber 12 provided in the cabinet 10 to accommodate clothes, and the first chamber 12. It includes a second chamber 14 formed separately at the bottom, and a door 20 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10 to open and close the front. The first chamber is formed by plastic injection molding without a partition plate. A first garment, such as a top garment, and a second garment, such as a bottom garment, are accommodated in the first chamber 12 . Heated air and/or steam generated by a device for generating heated air and steam located in the second chamber 14 may be discharged to the first chamber 12 .

Garments are contained in the first chamber 12 and are subjected to tension and compression forces while exposed to heated air and/or steam flowing into the first chamber 12 . Therefore, the clothes accommodated in the first chamber 12 are deodorized, refreshed, sterilized, and wrinkled. According to one example of the clothes processing apparatus 1000, a hanger support bar 13 is positioned above the first chamber 12 to support clothes hung on the hanger. In the first chamber 12, the movement of the hanger support bar 13 is implemented by a drive (not shown), eg a motor. The motion of the hanger support bar 13 includes vibratory motion, up-and-down motion and side-to-side motion to shake the clothes while the clothes are exposed to heated air and/or steam, which can help remove wrinkles from the clothes.

An air supply port and a steam exhaust port are provided on the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber to form a flow path for the heated air and steam generated in the second chamber 14 and deliver the heated air and/or steam to the first chamber 12 . be prepared for In some embodiments, the air supply port and the steam exhaust port are provided on different panels, such as behind the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber, which is formed of a smooth surface with the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber. A separate discharge panel may be provided. Alternatively, the area where the bottom surface of the first chamber 14 forming the space in which the clothes are accommodated and the rear surface of the first chamber 14 are joined may be formed to have a smooth surface and be inclined, but the joining area may be formed with an air supply port. and a steam exhaust port. Also, on the bottom surface of the first chamber 14, an air intake port for sucking in order to circulate the air in the first chamber 14 is located closer to the front of the cabinet than the air supply port.

In some embodiments, the heat pump unit 60 heats the air in a condenser through heat exchange with the refrigerant and supplies the heated air to the first chamber 12 via the blower unit 52 . On the other hand, using the heat pump cycle in reverse, the heat pump can supply cooled and conditioned air to the first chamber 12 . In some embodiments, the heated or cooled air supplied to first chamber 12 is also used to treat clothing and other textiles on hangers supported by hanger support rods 13 .

A tank module 70 for storing water is provided in front of the second chamber 14 . The tank module 70 also includes a water supply tank 72 for supplying water to the steam unit 58 (see FIG. 2) and a drain tank 74 for collecting and storing condensed water generated in the first chamber 12 . . In some embodiments, a tank module frame 71 is provided in front of an inlet duct 56 that communicates with the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber (see Figure 2). A tank installation space 73 is formed between the tank module frame 71 and the door 20 . The tank module frame 71 can separate the outside and the inside of the second chamber 14 . The tank support rod 75 is included in the tank installation space 73 and may interfere with the tank support part 79, thereby preventing the water supply tank 72 and the drain tank 74 from being accidentally separated from the tank installation space 73. . When the door 20 is opened and closed, the water tank 72 and the water tank 74 can be prevented from being separated from the tank installation space 73 by the tank support bar 75 . Preferably, the water tank 72 and the water tank 74 are retractable by the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tank support bar 75 is provided on the front surface of the tank module frame 71 so as to be smoothly connected to the lower front surfaces of the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 . At this time, part of the front surface of the water supply tank 72 and the front surface of the drain tank 74 are placed on the tank support rods 75 and supported by the tank support rods 75 . On the other hand, the tank support rod 75 may have a shape in which the front surface of the tank module frame 71 is bent and protruded. In this case, the water tank 72 and the water tank 74 are supported by being combined with a tank support rod 75 having a projecting shape.

In either case, the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 are provided detachably from the tank module frame 71 respectively. On the other hand, the water supply tank 72 and the drain tank 74 may be integrated and attached/detached at the same time. That is, the tank module 70 can be attached and detached at the same time.

In FIG. 1, the rear surfaces of the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 are shown in angular shapes. The upper side of each back surface may be formed into a rounded shape. The corresponding upper portion of the tank module frame 71 may also be formed in a round shape. Each of the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 includes a handle portion 78 on the upper part of the front surface, When the user pulls the handle portion 78, The water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 can be attached and detached by rotating around the lower end of the front surface of the water supply tank 72 or the lower end of the front surface of the drainage tank 74 . in short, Rotate on the basis of where it is connected to or supported by the tank support rod 75, The water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 can be attached and detached. In order to minimize interference when attaching and detaching the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74, the upper side of the back of the water supply tank 72 or the upper side of the back of the drain tank 7201, 7401 (see FIG. 16) is formed in a round shape.

The door 20 has a door panel 22 positioned at the rear of the door 20 or in the direction toward the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed, and at least one door panel 22 for hingedly connecting the door 20 and the door panel 22 to the cabinet 10. a hinge unit 24, a door gasket 26 provided on the door panel 22 to form a seal between the door 20 and the cabinet 10 in tight contact with the edge of the cabinet 10, and a first door gasket 26 when the door 20 is closed; It includes door linings 82, 84 provided on the door panel 22 for guiding condensed water produced in the chamber 12 to the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber. In some embodiments, the door 20 has a structure capable of opening and closing the first chamber 12 and the tank installation space 73 at the same time. In another embodiment, multiple doors may be provided on the cabinet 10 , with separate doors opening and closing the first chamber 12 and the tank mounting space 73 . Door linings 82 and 84 are provided to face the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed, and include an upper linear portion 82 and a lower linear portion 84 . The door liner directs condensed water generated on the surface of the door liner to a drainage grill formed in part of the partition plate 11 . A door gasket 26 is attached to the door panel 26 so as to surround the door panel 22 . Sealing between door 20 and cabinet 10 is provided by door gasket 26 . Also, the door gasket 26 can individually seal the first chamber 12 and the tank installation space 73 .

Here, the rear surface of the door 20 refers to the inner surface of the door facing the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed.

When the user closes the door 20, the front surfaces of the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 face the door panel 22, and when the user opens the door 20, the front surfaces of the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 face the outside. exposed. In addition, the water tank 72 and the drain tank 74 are provided with windows in front of each, so that the level of the water stored inside the water tank 72 and the drain tank 74 can be immediately checked.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second chamber 14 includes a blower unit 52 for circulating the air in the first chamber 12, a steam unit 58 for supplying steam to the first chamber 12, and a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the air in the first chamber 12. A heat pump unit 60 for heating by heating, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the blower unit 52, the steam unit 58 and the heat pump unit 60 are provided. A blower fan 54 provided inside the second chamber 14 forcibly sucks air from the first chamber 12 and moves it to the heat pump unit 60 provided inside the second chamber 14 . The steam unit 58 generates heat to convert the water supplied from the water tank 72 into steam, which is then sent to the first chamber 12 . A heat pump unit 60 provided in the second chamber 14 includes a compressor, a condenser (second heat exchanger), an evaporator (first heat exchanger) and an expansion valve, and supplies heated air and cooled air to the first chamber 12 . Generate and emit.

1 and 2, blower unit 52 includes blower fan 54 and intake duct 56 . The air intake duct 56 is provided in front of the blower fan 54 , and the tank module frame 71 is provided in front of the air intake duct 56 . Therefore, the tank module frame 71 can separate the tank installation space 73 and the second chamber 14 . A water supply tank 72 and a water discharge tank 74 provided on the tank module frame 71 are located near one side of the two sides of the cabinet 10 . For example, the water tank 72 is located closer to the right side of the cabinet 10 than the left side of the cabinet 10 in the tank module frame 71 , and the drain tank 74 is located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than the right side of the cabinet 10 .

The steam unit 58 is positioned closer to the right side of the cabinet 10 than the left side of the cabinet 10 in the second chamber 14 in the same manner as the water supply tank 72 . As a result, the steam unit 58 is arranged behind the water tank 72, and a connecting channel for transferring water from the water tank 72 to the steam unit 58 can be simplified.

If the water supply tank 72 is located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than to the right side of the cabinet 10, the steam unit should be located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than to the right side of the cabinet 10 correspondingly. can be done.

The air intake duct 56 also includes an air intake duct inlet 561 that communicates with the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber and sucks air from the first chamber 12, and the air intake duct inlet 561 forms an inclined flow path. As a result, the condensed water generated in the first chamber 12 and the door 20 passes through the intake duct inlet 561 to which the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber communicates, along the slanted flow path to the sump provided in the lower part of the intake duct ( sump) (not shown).

An intake duct 56 is positioned in front of the blower fan 54 , and a steam unit 58 and a heat pump unit 60 are arranged behind the blower fan 54 . The heat pump unit 60 is supported by supporters 65 . A supporter 65 is provided on the support base 15 forming the bottom of the second chamber. Therefore, the supporter 65 forms a predetermined separation distance between the support base and the heat pump unit 60 and provides an installation space for the steam unit 58 in the inner space of the supporter 65 .

The heat pump unit 60 is further provided with a housing 61 having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger inside, the first chamber 12 for discharging dehumidified and heated air in the housing to the first chamber 12. It includes an air outlet 611 that communicates with the air supply port. A compressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant are provided outside the supporter 65 .

A garment treatment apparatus 1000 according to various embodiments of this disclosure includes a multi-functional wrinkle removal module 100 . Various arrangements for implementing the functions of the wrinkle removal module 100 while exposing clothing or other textiles to heated air, steam and/or dehumidified cooled air when the door 20 is closed. In one arrangement, the wrinkle removal module 100 presses the garment or other textile product. And/or other forms of arrangement to perform other functions apply tension or stretching to the garment or other fabric. Also, a wrinkle removing module 100 is provided inside the first chamber 12 for removing wrinkles formed on clothes or other textile products. Referring to FIG. 1, the wrinkle removing module 100 is installed on the rear surface of the door 20, that is, the door panel 22, so that the wrinkle removing module 100 is located inside the first chamber 12 when the door is closed. The wrinkle removal module 100 is rotatably coupled to the base plate 110 provided longitudinally along the door 20 or along the door linings 82, 84 to support the garment, and to the base plate 110 or the door 20. It includes a panel assembly 140 that is connected to the door 20 or base plate 110 by one or more hinges.

A portion of the base plate 110 may be separated from the door 20 . In the second chamber 14, condensate formed on the rear surface of the door 20 by the steam entering the first chamber 12 can pass along the door linings 82, 84 across the gap formed between the base plate 110 and the door 20. It is possible to move to the lower linear portion 84 via. At least a portion of the base plate 110 is spaced from the door linings 82,84 to prevent moisture on the door linings 82,84 from contacting clothing. In one embodiment, the base plate 110 has an elastic plate shape or a segmented plate shape. The base plate 110 includes a fixed base portion 112 fixed to the door 20 and resilient base portions 115 , 116 extending from the fixed base portion 112 and further away from the door 20 than the fixed base portion 112 . In one embodiment, fixed base portion 112 extends in the height direction of the door. In order to connect the fixed base part 112 to the door 20 , the base plate 110 further includes fastening parts 113 for connecting the fixed base part 112 to upper and lower portions of the fixed base part 112 . The elastic bases 115, 116 include resilient, flexible and deformable surfaces to support the garment or other textile product during the pressing stage described below in FIG. 4(a). The elastic base portions 115 and 116 extend from the fixed base portion 112 in the direction in which the hinge unit 24 is located (for example, to the left with respect to the fixed base portion). It includes a second elastic base portion 116 extending in the opposite direction of the extending direction (for example, to the right with respect to the fixed base portion). In one embodiment, the elastic bases 115, 116 elastically support the garment such that the elastic bases 115, 116 uniformly contact the garment while the garment is compressed. The elastic base portions 115 and 116 include a first elastic base portion 115 extending leftward from the fixed base portion 112 and a second elastic base portion 116 extending rightward from the fixed base portion 112 . When an external force is applied to the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 , the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 elastically deform toward the door 20 . On the other hand, when the external force applied to the first elastic base portion 115 and the second elastic base portion 116 is removed, the first elastic base portion 115 and the second elastic base portion 116 can return to their original states or positions.

Panel assembly 140 includes a first panel rotatably coupled to the rear face of door 20 along a proximal side edge coupled by one or more first hinges 272 (see FIG. 4(a)). (front panel) 202 and one or more second hinges 232 on the first panel 202 along a distal side edge of both sides of the first panel 202 that is not connected to the first hinge 272; It includes a second panel (rear panel) 204 that is rotatably coupled by 242 (see FIG. 8(a)). In another embodiment, the second panel 204 is rotatably coupled to the rear face of the door 20 along a proximal edge joining the first hinges by one or more first hinges 272, the first panel 202 being Rotatably coupled by one or more second hinges 232 , 242 along the distal edge of the second panel 204 . The pivotal connection between one of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 and the door 20 and the pivotal connection between both panels allow the panel assembly 140 to perform various wrinkle removal functions. can be rearranged into various forms for As an example, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can be arranged in a substantially side-by-side overlapping configuration that rotates relative to each other to compress the garment. However, in other configurations, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can be rotated and arranged in a suitable coplanar configuration for hanging clothing or other textile articles. In still other situations, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can rotate relative to each other to form a substantially triangular arrangement with the base plate 110, where triangular as used herein means that the door 20 is open. , means "tensioned configuration configuration" after clothing and other textile articles are latched in the configuration in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are opened in a substantially coplanar configuration. do.

In this specification, the proximal side edge means either the left edge or the right edge to be connected to the door 20 or the base plate 110 or the door 20 or the base plate 110 by any fastening member or connecting member. The term "distal side edge" refers to an end located on the other side that is not coupled with a fastening or connecting member. For example, the proximal end of the first panel 202 means the end to which the first hinge 272 connects, and the distal end of the first panel 202 means the end to which the first hinge 272 does not connect, i.e. the proximal side. It means the end that is aligned with the end but located farther than the proximal end with respect to the first hinge 272 . The proximal end of the second panel 204 rotatably coupled to the first panel 202 can be rotatably coupled to the end rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first panel 202 or the first panel 202 . The distal end of the second panel 204 means the end that is not the proximal end of both sides. If a third panel 206 connected to the second panel 204 is further provided, the proximal end of the third panel 206 rotates to the second panel 204, which is the previous panel for connecting to the door 20 or the base plate 110. It means an end that can be combined, and one end of the remaining two ends of the third panel 206 is the distal end of the third panel 206 .

Either or both of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are substantially parallel to the pressure plate 144, substantially parallel to the upper and lower connecting plates 142 forming the pressure plate 144, and the upper and lower A central opening 145 is formed between the connecting plate 142 and the pressing plate 144 . The upper and lower connection plates 142 are made of an elastic material and are deformed by the load when a load is applied. In yet another embodiment, the base plate 110 is made of an elastic material while the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are made of a strong material that is substantially indeformable. Or, as described above, it consists of a plurality of elastic bases 115, 116 that deform when a load is applied. When both panels 202 and 204 of the panel assembly 140 are arranged in a folded and overlapped configuration, the pressure plate 144 of the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 is rotated against the base plate 110 to press the garment. 110 provides a pressure surface that applies compressive force to the hung garment or other textile.

As described above, in still other embodiments of the panel assembly 140, at least some of the plates and members that make up the panel assembly 140 are telescoping members and/or telescoping members that allow the overall length and width of the panel assembly 140 to be varied. It can be designed with a slidable extension and adjusted by size. A separate sheet of flexible material is provided on the base plate 110 and provided between the base plate 110 and the panel assembly 140 . A sheet formed of a flexible material more evenly presses the garments and other textiles supported by the base plate 110 when the panel assembly 140 is rotated relative to the base plate 110 to press the garment. One or more of the second hinges 232, 242 provided on the panel assembly 140 include hinge interlocks. Also, the hinge protrusion 2701 protrudes from the second hinges 232, 242 so that the panel assembly 140 having a folded and overlapped arrangement presses the base plate 110 and is coupled with the catch assembly 248 provided on the door 20. including.

The wrinkle removal module 100 including the panel assembly 140 is described in detail in FIGS. 3-15. FIG. 3(a) shows an embodiment of the panel assembly 140 rotatably coupled to the door 20 and arranged in a folded, overlapping configuration (second arrangement). The first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 (partially obstructed in FIG. 3(a) and located between the first panel 202 and the door 20) are in overlapping configuration, and the panels Assembly 140 is rotated against base plate 110 and second panel 204 is against base plate 110 . FIG. 3(b) shows an "array in a form in which a tensile force is applied" which is a partially triangular array (first array) in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a). First panel 202 is rotated to form an acute angle with second panel 204 to show first panel 202 and second panel 204 that a garment, such as first garment 205, is latched to panel assembly 140. there is For example, although the first garment 205 is shown hung on the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, other garments or textiles such as jackets, sweaters, bodice, dresses, etc. may also be hung in the first chamber 12. It can be hung over the base plate 110 or over the panel assembly 140 for application of tensile and/or compressive forces and exposure to heated air, steam or cooled and dehumidified air.

In this specification, the upper garment will be referred to as the first garment 205, eg shirt, and the lower garment will be referred to as second garment 105, eg pants. However, the first clothing 205 includes various tops such as shirts, Y-shirts, and sleeveless shirts, and the second clothing 105 includes various bottoms such as skirts, leggings, shorts, and trousers.

3(a) and 3(b), the first panel 202 includes a first partial hanger 220 provided on the top 212 of the first panel 202, and the second panel 204 is attached to the second panel 204. includes a second partial hanger 222 provided on the upper portion 214 of the . In other embodiments, the first panel 202 includes the second partial hanger and the second panel 204 includes the first partial hanger 22, which are different for different folding and unfolding configurations. For example, in yet another embodiment, panel assembly 140 pivots along the proximal edge to the right side of door 20 rather than to the left side of door 20, unlike FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). A operably attached first panel 202 and a second panel 204 pivotably attached along a distal end of the first panel 2020 are provided. In another embodiment, the first panel 204 is positioned between the first panel 202 and the door 20 when the panel assembly 140 rotates against the base plate 110 provided on the door 20 . It folds along the rear surface of 202 and rolls over.

The first panel 202 includes top clips 252, 254 attached along one side edge of the first panel 202, e.g. It includes clips 256 , 258 attached along an edge, eg, the distal edge of the second panel 204 . The clip secures a garment or other textile article hung along the adjacent mounting surfaces of the first and second panels, with the first and second panels 202 and 204 rotating relative to each other to apply a tension force. It can be used to grab clothes and other textiles when it is turned on. Clips used to secure pieces of clothing or other textiles may be constructed in other manners used to secure clothing, e.g. magnetic plates, hook-and-loop configurations. Fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners and other touch fasteners may be substituted. Throughout this specification, "clip" means a component that temporarily secures a garment or other textile product during the tension and pressure stages according to various disclosed wrinkle removal module 100 embodiments; Including the configuration of the above schemes and other structural schemes. As another example, as shown in FIGS. 5(c), 5(d) and 6(b), the first panel 202 may include additional clips along side edges of the first panel 202; For example, clips 253 , 254 and 255 are included, and second panel 204 includes additional clips attached along side edges of second panel 204 , such as clips 257 , 258 and 259 . Clips provided along the side edges of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 allow the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 to rotate away from each other on which the garment is hung. A tensile force can be applied to the garment secured to 202 and second panel 204 . Rotation of the first panel 202 relative to the second panel 204 can also apply a pulling force in a substantially horizontal and opposite direction.

Rotation of the first panel 202 and second panel 204 with respect to each other results in an arrangement in which a tension force is applied to the garment, grasping a portion of the garment while the tension force is applied to the garment portion. To secure, panel assembly 140 includes a plurality of tension clips 262,264. A garment hung between the second panel 204 and the base plate 110 is subjected to tension by the tension clips 262 , 264 while the panel assembly 140 pushes against the base plate 110 to provide compression force. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), tension clips 262, 264 may also be provided at the bottom of door 20, or vice versa, door 20, panel assembly 140, or other fasteners inside cabinet 10. Positions can also be provided. For example, FIG. 3(b) shows the mounting surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 from the arrangement (the third arrangement) in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are opened substantially in the same plane. After crossing the right sleeve of the first garment 205 to the left side of the first garment 205 and the left sleeve of the first garment 205 to the right side of the first garment 205, the tension clips 262, 264 After securing the ends of both sleeves respectively, the panel assembly 140 is shown deformed into an alignment (first alignment) in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated to apply a tensile force. . At this time, the upper clips 252, 256 are inclined downward away from the second hinges 232, 242 so that each sleeve can easily cross opposite sides. In another embodiment, the tension clip includes a coil spring at the base (not shown) connected to the tension clips 262, 264 and is an extension cable rewind type tension clip using an extension cable connected to the coil spring. Thus, after securing the base to the door 20, panel assembly 140, or other location within the cabinet 10, the cable rewind style tension clip is used to redirect the tension force applied to the garment portion. can do. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(b), the bases (not shown) of the cable rewind tensioning clips 262, 264 are attached to the bottom of the distal end of the second panel 204 and the first panel, respectively. Located along the inferior direction of the proximal end of 202 . In an arrangement configured as in FIG. 3(b), each tensioning clip 262, 264 can apply a tensioning force in a direction substantially aligned with the direction of the sleeve to which the tensioning clip secures.

In this specification, the first array, the second array and the third array are distinguished according to the shapes of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 included in the panel assembly 140 . That is, the first array is a triangular array with an acute angle between the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . This refers to the arrangement used to apply tension to the first garment 205 to remove wrinkles, or to apply tension to the first garment 205 while simultaneously applying compression to the second garment 105 . A second arrangement means that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are folded or arranged in a parallel overlapping manner. A panel assembly 140 having a second arrangement is an arrangement used to remove wrinkles by applying compressive force after the second garment 105 is hung on the base plate 110 . The third arrangement refers to an arrangement in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are opened substantially in the same plane. This is the arrangement for hanging the first garment 205 on the panel assembly 140 prior to applying tension. Therefore, in this case, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 form a smoothly continuous plane like one plane. The third array is for hanging clothing on the panel assembly 140 intermediate the first and second arrays. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, any of the first, second, and third sequences is not mentioned, and even if the sequence form is simply described, any of the corresponding sequences correspond to

The upper clips 252, 256 for fixing the first garment 205 directly below where the side of the first garment 205 and the sleeves located on this side are connected to each other (where corresponding to the armpit of the human body) are provided in an inclined form. . For example, the upper ends 2521, 2561 are configured to slope downward away from the second hinges 232, 242 (at an angle of about 30° to 60° with respect to the horizontal), which causes the first garment 205 to wrinkle. Crossing each sleeve to the opposite side can help prevent this. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the first panel 202 and the second panel 202 are rotated with respect to each other so that the angle between the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is about 60 degrees, and the tensile force is applied. When placed in a stress configuration arrangement (the first arrangement), the crossover of each sleeve can apply a tensile force to each sleeve of the first garment 205 along with the rest of the first garment. In addition, in another embodiment for implementing the tensile force applying function of the panel assembly 140, the angle formed by the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, which is 60°, can be included and other angles can be rotated. , but this angle will vary depending on the width of the door 20, the width of the opening located at the front of the first chamber 12, and the size of the garment to be hung on the panel assembly 140.

FIG. 4A shows the panel assembly 140 in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are folded and arranged in an overlapping manner (second arrangement), the panel assembly 140 rotated away from the base plate 110, and the second garment 105. Door 20 is shown hung on base plate 110 . FIG. 4( b ) shows that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are arranged in a folded and overlapped form and rotate toward the base plate 110 to press the second garment 105 . For wrinkle removal, the panel assembly 140 can be used to hang other clothing or textile products such as second garments, scarves, pillowcases, sheets, textile decorative panels, bottom mats, etc. on the base plate 110 for compression. After closing the cabinet 10 with the door 20 including the base plate 110 and the panel assembly 140 and positioning it in the first chamber 12, it is exposed to heated air, steam or dehumidified and cooled air.

In one embodiment of the panel assembly 140 shown in FIGS. 4( a ) and 4 ( b ), the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 are positioned between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 , such as the second garment 105 . Assembly 140 rotates into contact with base plate 110 . The panel assembly 140 may be rotatably connected to the door 20 or pivoted to the side of the base plate 110 by one or more first hinges 272 provided along the proximal edge of the first panel 202. concatenated. In other embodiments, the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 is rotatably connected to the door 20 by one or more first hinges provided along the proximal edge of the second panel 204; or directly connected to the sides of the base plate 110, the first panel 202 being rotatable to the second panel 204 by one or more second hinges 232, 242 provided along the distal edge of the second panel 204; concatenated. In this case, the first panel 202 or the second panel 204 is not rotatably coupled to the left side of the door 20, but is rotatable to the right side of the door 20, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). connected to In this embodiment, the first panel 202 is rotated to change from an arrangement in a folded, overlapping configuration of the panel assembly 140 to an arrangement in an open configuration in a plane with respect to the second panel 204 . 202 and the second panel 204 can be arranged in a smoothly open form substantially in the same plane. In any of the above-described embodiments, the panel assembly 140 has the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 folded over and facing each other such that a garment, such as the second garment 105 , is placed between the second panel 204 and the base plate 110 . can be rotated such that the pressing surface of the second panel 204 is adjacent to the base plate 110 during the pressing step of pressing the . The pressing surface of the second panel 204 means a surface that contacts the second garment 105 and presses the second garment 105 when the first panel and the second panel are arranged in a folded form. When the second panel 202 and the second panel are arranged substantially in the same plane in an open form, it means the surface from the second panel 204 toward the first chamber 12 . That is, it means a surface located in the opposite direction to the surface facing the base plate 110 .

As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the clothes hanger 120 provides for hanging clothes or other textiles that are pressed onto the base plate 110 located on the door panel 22 of the door 20. be done. The clothes hanger 120 has various shapes so that various types of clothes such as a scarf, a scarf, a pillowcase, and a bottom mat can be hung in addition to the second clothes. The second garment 105 can be hung on a garment hanger 120 configured to secure the bottom of the second garment, as well as the ends of the sleeves. In one embodiment, tensioning clips 262 , 264 are located on the lower portion of door panel 22 and secure portions of the second garment secured by hanger 120 opposite the cuff, eg, part of the waistband portion. Tensioning clips 262 , 264 bear weight or are connected by one or more biasing members, which pressurize the second garment between panel assembly 140 and base plate 110 and force the first chamber 12 . pulling in a direction substantially parallel to the inseam on the back side of the second garment while exposing it to heated air, steam and/or dehumidified and cooled air inside the second garment to remove wrinkles in the second garment. It is for applying force. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4( a ), the bases (not shown) of the lower cable rewind tensioning clips 262 , 264 are positioned below the base plate 110 , whereby the tensioning clips 262 , 264 264 can apply a substantially vertical force to the second garment 105 . As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the embodiment that applies tension to the sleeve of the first garment, the base of the underlying cable rewind type tension clips 262, 264 is the door 20 or panel assembly. 140, which allows the direction of the tensile force applied by the tension clips 262, 264 to be redirected to the lower side.

In order to press the second garment 105 between the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110, the panel assembly 140 is rotated to the pressing position by rotation. In some embodiments, the elastic force provided by the panel assembly 140 causes the second garment 105 to evenly adhere to the base plate 110 . In another embodiment, base plate 110 is formed from a single flexible and deformable plate. Other embodiments are formed by assembling a plurality of plates or split plates as described above. When the second garment 105 is fixed to the base plate 110, a groove is formed in a portion of the base plate 110 where the hem of the second garment 105 is positioned. Thus, interference between the seams of the base plate 110 and the second garment 105 can be avoided while the second garment 105 is pressurized, maximizing the contact area between the base plate 110 and the second garment 105. be able to. When the base plate 110 is pressed by the panel assembly 140 while pressing the second garment 105, the base plate 110 rotates or twists by a predetermined angle near the fastening portion 113 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 can evenly contact the base plate 110 . In one embodiment, with the second garment 105 positioned between the base plate 110 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140, when the panel assembly 140 rotates from the left side where the door hinge unit is located to the right side, The first elastic base portion 115 is pressed first, and the second elastic base portion 116 is pressed. In one embodiment, the elastic base parts 115 and 116 are elastically deformed leftward around the fastening part 113 by a predetermined angle. Therefore, the pressure applied to the second garment is distributed and uniformly applied to the entire second garment.

In one embodiment, panel assembly 140 applies a tensile force to first garment 205 and a compressive force to second garment 105 . For example, after the door 20 is opened, the first garment 205 is hung on the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 after being rotated so that it is arranged (third arrangement) in an open form substantially on the same plane. 4(a) and 4(b), the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can then be rotated relative to each other to arrange in a folded, overlapping configuration. . When the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 rotate relative to each other to apply a tensile force to the first garment 205, the clips securing the sides of the first garment are secured between the front and back of each clip. Since one garment 205 is allowed to move to some extent, even if the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are fully folded into an overlapping arrangement (second arrangement), the first garment 205 may have too much movement. It is possible to avoid applying a pulling force. After the first garment 205 is hooked along the mounting surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, both panels are completely folded to form an overlapping arrangement (second arrangement). When the first panel 202 and second panel 204 rotate about the hinges 232 , 242 , the panel assembly 140 is positioned on the base plate 110 to apply a tensile force to the first garment 205 while simultaneously applying a compressive force to the second garment 105 . rotate towards

FIG. 5(a) shows that when the panel assembly 140 provided in the door 20 is not used, it is arranged in a folded form (second arrangement) and rotates in contact with the base plate 110. FIG. FIG. 4(b) shows that the panel assembly 140 shown in FIG. 4(a) is arranged in an open configuration, that is, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are opened in substantially the same plane. It shows one embodiment arranged in a configuration (third arrangement) and ready to hang the first garment 205 . FIG. 4(c) shows an embodiment in which the panel assembly 140, in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are folded and arranged in an overlapping manner, is separated from the door. It also shows more clips 252, 253, 254, 255 provided along the proximal edge of the first panel 202 than shown in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 4(d) shows the panel assembly 140 shown in FIG. 4(c) in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are smoothly arranged (third arrangement) in substantially the same plane, Also shown are clips 256 , 257 , 258 and 259 arranged along the distal edge of second panel 204 . In one embodiment, the sizes of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can be adjusted, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4(d), to accommodate different sizes of garments and other textiles. can. The first panel 202 and the second panel 204 include a plurality of telescoping members, and each panel is interconnected and fitted together to expand and contract to different heights and widths. In another embodiment, the panel assembly 140 is provided parallel to and overlapping the sides of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively, and then lengthened or shortened as needed within the limits allowed by the cabinet 10 and door 20. Includes a slidable extension for adjustable width. In still other embodiments, the panel assembly 140 is separable from the door 20 and/or the base plate 110 such that the panel assembly 140 alone or with the clothing hung on the panel assembly 140 is removed from the door 20 and/or when not in use. After being separated from the base plate 110 , it can be hung on the hanger supporting rod 13 of the cabinet 10 .

In one embodiment, an upper clip 252 located on the first panel 202 is provided along the proximal edge of the first panel 202 to attach to the left side of the first garment (the side of the first panel 202 on which the first garment is hung). ) and the sleeve located on the left side are located for fixing the first garment where they are connected to each other. Similarly, an upper clip 256 located on the second panel 204 is provided along the distal edge of the second panel to clip the first garment where sleeves located on the right side and right side of the first garment are connected together. positioned to secure the In one embodiment, the upper clips 252, 256 have a fixed size with a gap between the front and back of the clip to allow the gap to interleave at the first garment supported by the clip. In another embodiment, each upper clip 252, 256 includes a biasing member, such as a spring, to overcome the force acting in only one direction of the biasing member forward of the upper clip 252, 256 and Can be pulled out from the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively, where the left side of the first garment and the left sleeve are connected, or where the right side of the first garment and the right sleeve are connected. After placing a part of the garment between the provided upper clip 252 and the first panel 202 or between the other upper clip 256 and the second panel 204, the pulled-out clip fixes the garment on that part again. be able to. The first panel 202 accommodates a fixed size top clip 252 such that the top clip 252 does not protrude beyond the front surface of the first panel 201 when the panel assembly 140 is in the folded configuration (second alignment). including a recess for Similarly, second panel 204 also includes a recess for receiving top clip 256 . The collapsed state of the upper clips 252, 256 on the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is like a second garment, maintaining the panel surfaces at the same height when viewed from the sides of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204. Ensure that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are arranged in a folded, overlapping configuration and rotated to apply a compressive force to the garment.

FIG. 6(a) shows the rear face of a clip such as the upper clips 252, 256 shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 5(d), with stiffening ribs 251 formed along the tilted direction of the clip. is shown. Bottom clips 253 , 254 , 255 , 257 , 258 and 259 also reinforce each bottom clip so that each bottom clip improves contact with garments hung on first panel 202 and second panel 204 . , reinforcing ribs such as reinforcing ribs 251 extending along the rear surface of the upper clips 252, 256 of FIG. 6(a).

FIG. 6(b) shows that the panel assembly 140 includes lower clips 253, 254, 255, 257, 258 and 259 in an open configuration arrangement for hanging the first garment 205. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5(c), 5(d) and 6(b), the first panel 202 further includes one or more bottom clips 253, 254 and 255, and the second panel 204 includes bottom clips. 257, 258 and 259 are further included. The lower clips 253, 254, 255, 257, 258 and 259 are hinged and spring mounted to engage the sides of the first garment (or other garment or fabric) to secure the first garment. A spring is attached to hold the first garment in place when the panels are rotated relative to each other to apply a pulling force to the first garment to aid in wrinkle removal. Bottom clips 253, 254 and 255 are positioned to secure the first garment at the left bottom edge of the first garment. In order to support the first garment all the way in the width direction of the door and in the longitudinal direction of the door, the lower clip 253 is positioned below where the left sleeve of the first garment and the left side of the torso of the first garment are connected. Another lower clip 254 is positioned below the lower clip 253 to secure the first garment, and another lower clip 255 is located at the left lower end of the first garment to secure the first garment. fixed. Similarly, bottom clips 257, 258 and 259 can secure the first garment in place at the bottom right edge of the first garment. A lower clip 257 is positioned below where the right sleeve of the first garment and the right side of the first garment are connected to support the first garment in all horizontal and vertical directions. Securing, another lower clip 258 is located directly below the lower clip 257 to secure the first garment, and yet another lower clip 259 secures the first garment at the right bottom edge of the first garment. The lower clips 253, 254, 255, 257, 258 and 259 include spring-like biasing members such that the forward portion of some of the lower clips 254, 258 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member to secure the respective first panel. 202 and the second panel 204 so that the sides of the garment are inserted between the lower clips 253, 254, 255 and the first panel 202 and between the lower clips 256, 257, 258 and the second panel 202. When the pulled-out clip is released, the clothing in the relevant portion can be fixed.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), each clip 253, 254, 255, 257, 258 and 259 has a bump-out portion that temporarily maintains the front portion 238 of the clip open relative to the rear portion 236 of the clip. A bump-out locking feature 237 is included. The bump-out lock 237 is in a protruding form and when the user overcomes (or disables) the bump-out lock 237 with a small amount of force, the portion of the garment secured between the front portion 238 and the back portion 236 is released. can be unlocked or closed from the clip. In other words, even if the force of the spring acts in the direction of closing the clip (fixing the first garment) when the bump-out lock portion is used as a reference and the bump-out lock portion is used as a reference, the bump-out lock portion 237 prevents the front portion of the clip from moving forward. 238 can be rotated to remain open. On the other hand, when force is applied to the forward portion 238 to overcome the bump out lock portion 237, a biasing member such as a spring causes the forward portion to rotate in a direction closing the clips 253, 254, 255, 257, 258 and 259. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(d), when the panel assembly 140 is rotated for alignment in the form of tension applied as shown in FIG. 3(b), the respective clips 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258 and 259 include one or more non-slip pads 231, 233 to prevent the first garment from slipping out of the clip or being misaligned. The non-slip pads 231 and 233 are made of rubber or other gripping material.

In FIG. 7(a), the first garment 205 hung on the first partial hanger 220 of the first panel 202 and the second partial hanger 222 of the second panel 204, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are substantially 2 shows that the door 20 is provided with panel assemblies 140 arranged in a coplanar open configuration (third arrangement). FIG. 7(b) shows that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 on which the first garment is hung are rotated relative to each other in a direction away from the sides of the panels into a substantially triangular arrangement (first arrangement). The arrangement is shown in a configuration in which a tensile force is applied. From the configuration in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are opened substantially in the same plane in FIG. 7(a) to the configuration in which a triangular tensile force is applied in FIG. The arrows in FIG. 7(b) point the clips 252, 254 provided on the proximal end of the first panel 202 and the clips 252, 254 provided on the distal end of the second panel 204 when rotated relative to each other. indicates that the tensile force applied to the first garment 205 is applied in a substantially horizontal direction.

FIG. 8(a) shows an embodiment in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are separated by separating the second hinges 232 and 242 that rotationally connect the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 in the panel assembly 140. is shown. FIG. 8(b) shows that the first panel 202 can be pivoted to the second panel 204 by the second hinges 232, 242 along the distal end 213 of the first panel 202 and the proximal end 215 of the second panel 204. 1 shows an embodiment coupled to the . The second hinge 242 includes a hinge interlock 270 at an intermediate position along its length. The first panel 202 and the second panel 204 include a central opening 145 formed through both panels, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b). This allows heated air, steam or dehumidified and cooled air to reach the garment or other textile suspended along the mounting surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 during the application of the tension force. The heated air is applied to the garments hung between the door 20 and the base plate 110 of the cabinet 10 while applying the compressive force to the garment located between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 during application of the compressive force. , steam or dehumidified and cooled air to arrive.

FIG. 10 shows halves of an angle and length adjustable hanger, for example a first partial hanger 220 or a second partial hanger 222 . Partial hangers 220, 222 are rotatably coupled to respective tops 212, 214 (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)) of first panel 202 and second panel 204 using hanger hinge pins 221. . Partial hangers 220, 222 include hanger pads 223 to prevent slippage between the first garment and the hanger. The hanger pad 223 is made of rubber. As an example, each partial hanger 220 , 222 is adjustable in hanger angle and length to accommodate different shoulder profiles and shapes of garments hung on the panel assembly 140 . As shown in FIG. 9, the partial hangers 220, 222 include extensions (not shown) extending in the direction of the arrow along with the hanger pad 223 if they can rotate about the hanger hinge pin 221 in the direction of the arrow. As another example, each partial hanger 220, 222 may be detachably formed into hangers having different shapes, different sizes or different hanger arm angles to accommodate different types, patterns, fabrics or sizes of garments. can be substituted.

FIGS. 10(a), 10(b), 10(c) and 10(d) show a door having a wrinkle removing module 100 including a panel assembly 140 rotatably mounted on the door 20 and a base plate 110. FIG. 20 is shown. In addition, in the step of hanging the first garment 205 on one surface of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 , one surface of the first panel 202 on which the first garment 205 is hung extends from the second panel 204 in a direction away from the second panel 202 . Rotating the first panel 202 against and placing the panel assembly 140 arranged in a tensioned configuration such that the first garment 205 is processed within the first chamber 12 into the cabinet and opening the door. The closing stages are shown in chronological order.

10(a)-10(d), the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 are substantially coplanar. The partial hangers 220, 222 rotate forward from recesses provided in the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively, and the first garment 205 rotates into the partial hangers 220, 220, 204, respectively. 222 and can be buttoned. A plurality of clips 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 262 and 264 secure the sides and sleeves of the first garment and the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are spaced between the panels. They can be rotated with respect to each other to have about 60° or other angles as described above. After the first garment 205 has been hooked onto the panel assembly 140, the rotation of the first panel 202 relative to the second panel 204 substantially in the width direction of the door, in the direction of the cross-slanted sleeves. to apply a tensile force to the first garment. This is because the tensile force is greater than the radial size of the second hinges 232 , 242 joining the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . Rotation of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 relative to each other in a direction away from the side of the panel on which the first garment 205 is hung causes the radii of the second hinges 232, 242 to move the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 apart. Increase the distance between the outer edges of 204 . The sum of the width of the first panel, the width of the second panel, and the arc length of the second hinge by the supplementary angle of the angle formed by the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is the shoulder width (or This is because it is larger than the remaining width excluding the sleeve). A plurality of clips 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 262, and 264 may undesirably secure the first garment to the panel assembly 140 during the sequential stages of applying tension to the first garment. Prevent wrinkles.

11(a) and 11(b) are perspective and enlarged cross-sectional views of the door 20 and panel assembly 140 with the panel assembly 140 closed by the door 20 and coupled by a locking device such as an extension latch. . Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are perspective and enlarged plan views of the panel assembly in the tensioned configuration of the arrangement. As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), when the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are not used to remove wrinkles in the first garment, for example, the panel assembly 140 can be assembled with the second panel 204 and the base. When used to pressurize the second garment 105 positioned between the plates 110, the arrangement of the side-by-side overlapping configuration can be maintained. Hinge interlock 270 includes an extension latch feature, which may be used when panel assembly 140 is used to apply no tension to the first garment, or as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). As shown, when the second garment 105 is pressurized, the hinge protrusion 2701 and the catch assembly 248 join together at the hinge protrusion 2701 that joins with the catch assembly 248 on the door 20 so that the panel assembly 140 is secured to the base plate 110 . can maintain the sequence in the folded form relative to the

As shown in FIG. 11( a ), the second panel 204 rotates with respect to the first panel 202 and shifts from an arrangement (second arrangement) in which the first panel 202 is aligned and overlapped with the first panel 204 . 202 and the second panel 204 can be transformed into an arrangement (third arrangement) in which they are opened substantially in the same plane. In this embodiment, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are substantially coplanar for hanging garments or other textiles along the mounting surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204. They can rotate relative to each other about central hinges 232, 242 in an open configuration arrangement (third arrangement). After the garment or other textile article has been hung, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated away from the mounting surface with respect to each other to create a tension force on the garment, as shown in FIG. 12(a). It can be transformed into an added form. Auxiliary interlocks 246 located at the distal end of the second panel 204 are positioned on the first panel 202 to deform into alignment in a configuration that applies a tensile force to the garment, as shown in FIG. 12(b). and a locking device such as an extended latch for engaging the catch assembly 248 when the second panel 204 is rotated. After the first garment 205 or other garments or other textiles are hung on the panel assembly 140, the first chamber 12 is exposed to heated air, steam and/or dehumidified and cooled air to remove wrinkles. 12, the combination of auxiliary interlock 246 and catch assembly 248 align first panel 202 and second panel 204 in a substantially triangular tension configuration. can be maintained. From the arrangement in which the second panel 204 is opened in the same plane with respect to the first panel 202, the arrangement in which both panels are at an acute angle of about 60° and a tensile force is applied as shown in FIG. Rotation of the alignment in the first rotational direction allows hinge interlock 270 to rotate in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction. Accordingly, the hinge protruding portion 2701 of the hinge interlock 270 does not come into contact with the clothes hung on the mounting surface of the first panel 202 and the mounting surface of the second panel 205, so that no interference occurs.

13(a), 13(b), 13(c) and 13(d) are a perspective view and an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the panel assembly 140 provided on the door 20 of the laundry processing apparatus 1000 of FIG. . First panel 202 and second panel 204 are shown arranged in an outwardly rotated open configuration prior to and for hanging the garment. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the sizes of the first partial hanger 220 and the second partial hanger 222 are the optimum size for the ideal size and the first garment 205 having the size corresponding to this ideal size. preset by a fixed position.

When not in use, each partial hanger 220,222 is accommodated in a depression 207 formed on the surface of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 and corresponding to the shape of the partial hanger 220,222. As shown in FIGS. 13(a)-13(d), partial hangers 220, 222 are provided on the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively, and are rotated out of each panel to remove the first garment. can be hung on the partial hangers 220,222. The thickness of each partial hanger 220, 222 and hinge structure is determined by the desired total thickness of the panel assembly 140 and the first garment to support and exert a tensile force on the first garment while being processed within the first chamber 12. It is determined by considering the strength characteristics for

FIG. 14(a) shows a first panel 202, a second panel 204, and an upper clip having the same height as the outer surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 to secure the garment to apply tension force. An example of 252, 256 is shown. FIG. 14(b) shows an enlarged view of the upper clips 252, 256 in the panel assembly 140 in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are arranged in a folded, overlapping configuration. As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 each include recesses (not shown) that receive top clips 252, 256, with top clips in the recesses. The clips 252 and 256 are accommodated, and the shape of the recessed portion is formed corresponding to the outer shape of the upper clips 252 and 256, and the outer surface of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 or the mounting surface to which the first garment is attached. is formed below a predetermined height even if the upper clips 252 and 256 are provided. Therefore, the pressing surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are lower than a predetermined height, and the surfaces for pressing the second garment are planar without protrusions. Accordingly, the pressing surface of the second panel 204 for pressing the second garment is provided in a planar shape capable of pressing the second garment in the first arrangement regardless of the upper clip.

Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show the portion of the panel assembly that abuts the door 20 of the clothes handling machine of Figure 1 in the arrangement in which the second panel 204 is folded over the first panel 202. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 15(a) shows clips 257, 258 biased in the closed position at the same level as the pressure surface of the second panel 204 to apply pressure to the clothes hung on the base plate provided on the door 20. , or clips 254, 255 biased in the closed position flush with the mounting surface of the first panel 202 when the panel assembly 140 is not in use. FIG. 15(b) shows an enlarged view of one embodiment in which the clips 254, 258 are biased.

The width of the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 is related to the width of the interior of the cabinet 10 and the first chamber 12 . When the door 20 opens the cabinet 10, the panel assembly rotates about the hinges 272, 232, 242 and extends relative to the door 20 to be substantially flush with the arrangement (third panel assembly). ), clothes larger than the width of the first chamber 12 can be hung on the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . After the garment has been hooked to the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, both sides are separated as shown in FIGS. The panels are rotated relative to each other into a substantially triangular arrangement with the door 20 and the base plate 110 to form an arrangement (first arrangement) in which a tensile force is applied. In the case of the arrangement in which a tensile force is applied, the panel assemblies 140 are arranged in a triangular shape, each side being smaller than the size of the opening provided in the front of the cabinet, and the size difference is such that the garments are separated from the panel assemblies 140 . It is the extent of the gap between the panel assembly 140 and the cabinet 10 when the door 20 is closed while maintaining the alignment of the configuration in which the tension is applied to the panel assembly 140 .

As shown in FIG. 10(d), the door 20 having the panel assembly 140 arranged in a manner that is folded into a rectangular shape and subjected to a tensile force is closed, and the clothes hung on the panel assembly 140 are moved into the first chamber. It can be exposed to heated air, steam and/or dehumidified and cooled air within 12 . The internal angle between the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is approximately 60°, and the first panel 202, the second panel 204 and the base plate 110 are triangular. The configuration of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is maintained by a secondary interlock 246 provided at the distal end of the second panel 204 that engages a catch assembly 248 .

In an embodiment embodying the alternative functionality of wrinkle removal module 100 and panel assembly 140, panel assembly 140 is arranged in a folded configuration as shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 11. It can remain coupled to the door and rotate to press against a garment, such as a second garment located between the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 . The function of the wrinkle removal module 100 with this type of arrangement is to pressurize the clothes or other textiles hung between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 . The first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 each include a pressure plate 144 provided substantially parallel to the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively. The pressure plate 144 is formed by substantially parallel upper and lower connecting plates 142 with a central opening 145 formed between the upper and lower connecting plates 142 .

Figures 3(a), 4(a) and 10(a) show the first garment 205 in its folded configuration with the second panel 204 placed behind the first panel 202 in an overlapping manner prior to applying a tensile force. A panel assembly 140 having an array (first array) of . FIGS. 4(b), 13(a) and 13(b) are substantially coplanar and open configurations prepared to smoothly open and apply tension to the first garment 205. (third array). FIGS. 7(a), 10(b) and 13(b) show the mounting of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 before changing the arrangement to apply a tensile force to the panel assembly 140. FIG. A first garment 205 is shown hung over a surface and at least partially secured. FIGS. 7(b), 10(c) and 10(d) show that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated with respect to each other in the direction that the mounting surfaces of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are separated. The first garment 205 is shown under tension after both panels have been turned to have an internal angle of approximately 60°.

As shown in FIGS. 3(b), 7(a), 7(b), 10(b)-10(d) and 13(b), the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 First garment 205 is hung on first partial hanger 220 of first panel 202 and second partial hanger 222 of second panel 204 when the are open and substantially coplanar and in a smooth configuration arrangement. Thereby, the first garment 205 is hung on the panel assembly 140 . As used herein, "substantially coplanar and smooth configuration" means that both panels of the panel assembly 140 are oriented substantially coplanar within normal manufacturing and assembly tolerances. It means forming a connected mounting surface extending along the outer peripheral surfaces of the second hinges 232 and 242 that rotatably connect both panels from the mounting surface of the panel to the mounting surface of the other panel located in the same direction. do. While hanging the first garment 205 or other garments on the partial hangers 220, 222, there is a certain amount of movement of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 and both panels are coplanar with rotation about the central hinges 232, 242. And for panels arranged in a smooth fashion, some deviation is to be expected and tolerances are allowed. Also, the first garment can be buttoned to prevent the first garment from slipping off the hanger.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate various embodiments and variations of the panel assembly 140 and associated base plate 110 of the wrinkle removal module 100 disclosed herein having one or more garment treating functions. Will. Also, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and apparatus are not limited to the particular state of the disclosed panels. Rather, additional panels other than the disclosed first panel 202 and second panel 204 of panel assembly 140 may be included if appropriate to compress or stretch other garments or textiles. Also, hinge interlock 270, auxiliary interlock 246 and catch assembly 248 may be configured differently than the embodiment shown in FIGS. Interlocks 270, 246 and catch assembly 248 can be coupled to the door while both panels of panel assembly 140 apply tension or compression to the garment to maintain alignment in the various configurations described above.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a clothes processing apparatus further including an auxiliary pressure plate between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 for pressing the second clothes (underwear).

A second chamber (mechanical chamber) 14 provided in the lower part of the clothes processing apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 16 includes a device for generating heated air and steam.

As shown in FIG. 16, the clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a cabinet 10 with an open front, a door 20 that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the front, and a first chamber 12 that is positioned inside the cabinet and stores clothes. , a second chamber 14 positioned below the first chamber 12 to form a space separated from the first chamber 12, a blower unit 52 provided in the second chamber 14 for circulating air in the first chamber, A heat pump unit 60 provided in the second chamber to dehumidify and heat the circulating air, a steam unit 58 provided in the second chamber 14 to supply steam to the first chamber, and a base plate 110 fixed to the door. , a first panel 202 rotatably coupled to the door 20 or base plate 110 , and a second panel 204 rotatably coupled to the first panel 202 , wherein rotation of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 rotates the first panel 202 . An arrangement of panels 202 and second panels 204 includes a deformable panel assembly 140 and an auxiliary pressure plate 144 rotatably coupled to door 20 or base plate 110 and positioned between panel assembly 140 and base plate 110 .

The auxiliary pressure plate 144 has a smooth surface and is positioned between the auxiliary pressure plate 144 and the base plate 110. When the auxiliary pressure plate 144 presses the second garment 105 hooked on the base plate 110, the second garment 105 is pressed. Wrinkles on the clothing 105 can be removed.

Therefore, the panel assembly 140 can apply a tensile force to the first garment 205 , and at the same time, the auxiliary pressure plate 144 can be used to press the second garment 105 more stably than the second panel 204 .

The cabinet 10 includes a cabinet 10 provided with a door 20 for opening and closing the front of the cabinet 10, and the cabinet 10 can form a processing chamber (first chamber) 12 with the front of the cabinet 10 being open.

The clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a cabinet 10 with an open front, a first chamber 12 provided in the cabinet 10 for storing clothes, a second chamber 14 separated from the first chamber 12, and a cabinet. It includes a door 20 rotatably coupled to 10 to open and close the front. A first garment, such as a top, and a second garment, such as a bottom, can be hung in the first chamber 12 . In addition, heated air and/or steam generated by a device for generating heated air and steam located in the second chamber 14 may be discharged to the first chamber 12 .

Garments are contained in the first chamber 12 and are subjected to tension and compression forces while exposed to heated air and/or steam flowing into the first chamber 12 . Therefore, the clothes housed in the first chamber 12 can be deodorized, refreshed, sterilized and wrinkled. Looking at one example of the clothes processing apparatus 1000, a hanger support bar 13 is positioned above the first chamber 12 to support the clothes hung on the hanger. The movement of the hanger support rod 13 in the first chamber 12 is realized by a driving part (not shown), eg a motor. The motion of the hanger support bar 13 includes vibrating motion, up-and-down motion and side-to-side motion to rock the clothes while the clothes are exposed to heated air and/or steam, which can help remove wrinkles from the clothes.

An air supply port 1411 and a steam exhaust port 1412 are provided in the first chamber 14 to form a flow path for the heated air and steam generated inside the second chamber 14 and to deliver the heated air and/or steam to the first chamber 12 . is provided on the bottom surface 11 of the For example, an air supply port 1411 and a steam exhaust port 1412 are provided on the surface of the area where the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber and the rear surface of the first chamber meet. The area where the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber and the rear surface of the first chamber meet is one smooth and slanted surface, and the slanted surface is provided with an air supply port 1411 and a steam exhaust port 1412 . In addition, an air intake port 1413 for sucking in order to circulate the air in the first chamber 14 is located closer to the front of the cabinet than the air supply port 1412 on the bottom surface of the first chamber 14 .

In some embodiments, the heat pump unit 60 heats the air in the condenser through heat exchange with the refrigerant and supplies the heated air to the first chamber 12 via the blower unit 52 . Alternatively, using the heat pump cycle in reverse, the heat pump can supply cooled and conditioned air to the first chamber 12 . In some embodiments, the heated or cooled air supplied to the first chamber 12 can be used to treat clothes and other textiles on hangers supported by the hanger support rods 13 .

A tank module 70 for storing water is provided in front of the second chamber 14 . The tank module 70 also includes a water supply tank 72 for supplying water to the steam unit 58 (see FIG. 2) and a drain tank 74 for collecting and storing condensed water generated in the first chamber 12 . In some embodiments, a tank module frame 71 is provided in front of an intake duct 56 (see FIG. 2) communicating with the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber. A tank installation space 73 is formed between the tank module frame 71 and the door 20 . A tank module frame 71 separates the outside and the inside of the second chamber 14 . That is, the tank installation space 72 in which the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 are installed can be separated from the second chamber.

In either case, the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 are detachably mounted on the tank module frame 71 . On the other hand, the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 may be integrally combined and detachable at the same time. That is, the tank module 70 can be attached and detached at the same time.

Although the rear surfaces of the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 are shown to be angular in FIG. 16, the upper side of each rear surface can also be formed into a rounded shape. The upper part of the corresponding tank module frame 71 is also formed in a round shape. Accordingly, the water supply tank 72 and the drainage tank 74 each include a handle portion 78 on the upper portion of the front surface, and when the user pulls the handle portion 78, the lower end of the front surface of the water supply tank 72 or the lower end of the front surface of the drainage tank 74 is the center of rotation. It can be rotated and removed. That is, the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 can be installed or separated by rotating on the basis of the position where the tank support rod 75 is connected or supported. In order to minimize interference when installing or separating the water tank 72 and the water tank 74, the upper rear side of the water tank 72 or the upper side of the rear side of the water tank 7201, 7401 are rounded.

The door 20 has a door panel 22 positioned at the rear of the door 20 or in the direction toward the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed, and at least one door panel 22 for hingedly connecting the door 20 and the door panel 22 to the cabinet 10. A hinge unit 24, a door gasket 26 provided on the door panel 22 and closely attached to the edge of the cabinet 10 to form a seal between the door 20 and the cabinet 10, and generated in the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed. Door panels 22 are provided with door linings 82, 84 for directing condensed water to the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber. In some embodiments, the door 20 has a structure capable of simultaneously opening and closing the first chamber 12 and the tank installation space 73 . In another embodiment, multiple doors are provided in the cabinet 10, each door opening and closing the first chamber 12 and the tank installation space 73. As shown in FIG. Door linings 82 and 84 are provided to face the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed, and include an upper linear portion 82 and a lower linear portion 84 . The door liner directs condensed water generated on the surface of the door liner to a drainage grill formed in part of the partition plate 11 . A door gasket 26 is attached to the door panel 26 so as to surround the door panel 22 . Sealing between door 20 and cabinet 10 is provided by door gasket 26 . Also, the door gasket 26 can individually seal the first chamber 12 and the tank installation space 73 .

Here, the rear surface of the door 20 refers to the inner surface of the door facing the first chamber 12 when the door 20 is closed.

When the user closes the door 20, the front surfaces of the water tank 72 and the drain tank 74 face the door panel 22, and when the user opens the door 20, the front surfaces of the water tank 72 and the drain tank 74 are exposed to the outside. be done. Also, the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 each include a window on the front surface thereof, so that the level of the water stored inside the water supply tank 72 and the water discharge tank 74 can be readily checked.

16 and 2, the blower unit 52 includes a blower fan 54 and an intake duct 56. As shown in FIG. The air intake duct 56 is provided in front of the blower fan 54 , and the tank module frame 71 is provided in front of the air intake duct 56 . Therefore, the tank module frame 71 can separate the tank installation space 73 and the second chamber 14 . A water supply tank 72 and a water discharge tank 74 provided on the tank module frame 71 are positioned close to one of both sides of the cabinet 10 . For example, the water tank 72 is located closer to the right side of the cabinet 10 than the left side of the cabinet 10 in the tank module frame 71 , and the drain tank 74 is located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than the right side of the cabinet 10 .

The steam unit 58 is positioned closer to the right side of the cabinet 10 than the left side of the cabinet 10 inside the second chamber 14 in the same manner as the water supply tank 72 . As a result, the steam unit 58 can be arranged behind the water tank 72 to simplify the connecting channel through which water moves from the water tank 72 to the steam unit 58 .

If the water supply tank 72 is located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than to the right side of the cabinet 10, the steam unit is also located closer to the left side of the cabinet 10 than to the right side of the cabinet 10 correspondingly.

In addition, the air intake duct 56 includes an air intake duct inlet 561 that communicates with the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber and sucks air from the first chamber 12, and the air intake duct inlet 561 may form an inclined flow path. As a result, the condensed water generated in the first chamber 12 and the door 20 passes through the intake duct inlet 561 to which the bottom surface 11 of the first chamber communicates, and along an inclined flow path, a sump formed in the lower part of the intake duct. (not shown).

An intake duct 56 is positioned in front of the blower fan 54 , and a steam unit 58 and a heat pump unit 60 are arranged behind the blower fan 54 . The heat pump unit 60 is supported by supporters 65 . A supporter 65 is provided on the support base 15 forming the bottom of the second chamber. Therefore, the supporter 65 can form a predetermined separation distance between the support base and the heat pump unit 60 to provide an installation space for the steam unit 58 in the inner space of the supporter 65 .

The heat pump unit 60 is provided in the first chamber 12 to discharge dehumidified and heated air in a housing 61 containing a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger inside the housing to the first chamber 12 . It further includes an air outlet 611 communicating with the air supply port. A compressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant are positioned outside the supporter 65 .

When the door 20 is closed, the panel assembly 140 is opened to the garments or other textiles in any of the arrangements described above while exposing the garments or other textiles to heated air, steam and/or dehumidified and cooled air. Pressurize other textile products. And/or other forms of arrangement to perform other functions can apply tension or stretching to the garment or other textile.

Referring to FIG. 16, the wrinkle removing module 100 is installed on the rear surface of the door 20, i.e., the inner surface of the door or the door panel 22, so that the wrinkle removing module 100 is located in the first chamber 12 when the door is closed. The wrinkle removing module 100 includes a base plate 110 installed longitudinally along the rear surface of the door 20 or along the door linings 82, 84 to support clothes, and the base plate 110 is rotatably coupled to the door 20. It includes a panel assembly 140 connected to the door 20 or the base plate 110 by one or more hinges, and an auxiliary pressure plate 144 positioned between the base plate 110 and the panel assembly 140 for this purpose.

Accordingly, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 formed in a triangular first array that applies a tensile force to the first garment 205 are combined with the auxiliary pressure plate 144 and/or the base plate 110 so that the auxiliary pressure plate 144 and the base plate 110 can be pressurized. Therefore, since the panel assembly 140 presses the auxiliary pressing plate 144 when it is combined with the door in the first arrangement, the second garment 105 can also be pressed at the same time.

On the other hand, in the second arrangement in which the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are folded and overlapped, only the second garment 105 can be pressurized. The first panel 202 and the auxiliary pressure plate 144 of the panel assembly 140 are rotationally connected to the side of the door 20 or the base plate 110 by the first hinges 272 . The second panel 204 is rotationally coupled to the first panel by second hinges 232,242.

The first panel 202 includes a first opening 1451 extending through the thickness of the first panel 202 for allowing steam to penetrate the second garment 105 , and the second panel 204 includes a first opening 1451 for allowing steam to penetrate the second garment 105 . includes a second opening 1452 passing through the second panel 204 in the thickness direction.

Further, the auxiliary pressure plate 144 includes an auxiliary opening 165 passing through the auxiliary pressure plate 144 in the thickness direction to allow steam to permeate the second garment.

Therefore, when the panel assembly 140 is in the first arrangement, i.e., the triangular arrangement, even if the panel assembly 140 is combined with the door 20, the first opening 1451, the second opening 1452, and the auxiliary opening 165 provide additional support. Steam can permeate the second garment 105 pressurized between the pressure plate 144 and the base plate 110 .

When the panel assembly 140 is in the second orientation, i.e., the orientation in the folded overlapping configuration, the first opening 1451 and the second opening 1452 form the central opening 145 when the panel assembly 140 is coupled with the door 20 . However, the auxiliary opening 165 is provided at a position corresponding to the central opening 145 so that the steam can permeate the second garment 105 through the central opening 145 and the auxiliary opening 165 .

17(a) and 17(b) show the second arrangement and the first arrangement with the auxiliary pressure plate 144, respectively. First, the door 20 is coupled with a base plate 110 for supporting the second garment. As in FIG. 1, a portion of base plate 110 is spaced from door 20 . As a result, the condensed water formed on the rear surface of the door 20 by the steam flowing from the second chamber 14 into the first chamber 12 flows along the door linings 82, 84 and the gap formed between the base plate 110 and the door 20. It moves to the lower linear part 84 via. Therefore, at least a portion of the base plate 110 is separated from the door panels 82 and 84 to prevent moisture on the door panels 82 and 84 from coming into contact with clothes. In addition, elastic force can be imparted to the base plate to constantly press the clothes.

The base plate 110 is formed in the shape of a plate or segmented plate having elastic properties. The base plate 110 includes a fixed base portion 112 fixed to the door 20 and resilient base portions 115 , 116 extending from the fixed base portion 112 and further away from the door 20 than the fixed base portion 112 . In one embodiment, fixed base portion 112 extends along the height of the door. In order to connect the fixed base part 112 to the door 20 , the base plate 110 further includes fastening parts 113 for connecting the fixed base part 112 to upper and lower portions of the fixed base part 112 . The elastic bases 115, 116 comprise resilient, flexible and deformable surfaces to support the garment or other textile during the pressing stage shown in FIG. 4(a). The elastic base portions 115 and 116 are composed of a first elastic base portion 115 extending from the fixed base portion 112 in a direction in which the hinge unit 24 is located (for example, to the left side of the fixed base portion), and a first elastic base portion 115 extending from the fixed base portion 112 to the first elastic base portion. It includes a second elastic base portion 116 extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the portion extends (eg, to the right with respect to the fixed base portion). In one embodiment, the elastic bases 115, 116 support the garment with elastic force such that the elastic bases 115, 116 uniformly contact the garment while the garment is pressed. The elastic base portions 115 and 116 include a first elastic base portion 115 extending leftward from the fixed base portion 112 and a second elastic base portion 116 extending rightward from the fixed base portion 112 . When an external force is applied to the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 , the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 are elastically deformed toward the door 20 . If the external force applied to the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 is removed, the first elastic base part 115 and the second elastic base part 116 can return to their original states or positions.

The auxiliary pressure plate 144 further includes an auxiliary groove 167 recessed in the longitudinal direction of the door 20 to prevent the seams of the second garment from being pressed. Accordingly, even if the second clothing 105 is pressurized, the seams of the second clothing are not pressed and the second clothing can be pressurized.

As shown in FIG. 17( a ), one end of the second panel 204 that is not connected to the second hinges 232 and 242 includes an auxiliary interlock 246 . In addition, the auxiliary pressure plate 144 further includes an auxiliary hole 169 penetrating through the auxiliary pressure plate 144 on a side surface coupled to the second panel, that is, a side portion far from the first hinge 272 . As shown in FIG. 17(b), after the auxiliary interlock 246 is inserted into the auxiliary hole 169 in the first orientation, it can be coupled with a catch assembly 248 provided on the door to maintain the second orientation. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously apply a tensile force to areas B and C where the first garment is located and a compressive force to area A where the second garment is located.

Area A means the area between the auxiliary pressure plate 144 and the base plate 110, area B and area C are the length of the second panel 204 and the first panel 202, and the length of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204. form an acute angle (Θ), the area is the sum of the arc lengths due to the acute angle (Θ) and the radius of the central hinge. Since the sum of the lengths of the B region and the C region is greater than the width of the torso of the first garment 205 , a tensile force can be applied to the first garment 205 .

FIG. 17 shows an example in which the auxiliary pressure plate 144 is provided with the auxiliary hole 169 and the auxiliary interlock 246 is inserted into the auxiliary hole 169 and coupled with the catch assembly 248 . Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary pressure plate 144 is provided with a fixing portion 159, and the auxiliary pressure plate 144 can be coupled to the door 20 or the base plate 110 by the fixing portion. At this time, the auxiliary interlock 246 is connected to the catch assembly 248 provided on the door 20 independently of the auxiliary pressure plate 144 .

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates various embodiments of a panel assembly 140 including multiple panels. Here, in order to mainly describe the arrangement form of each panel, the hinges for rotating connection of each panel are shown simply, and the interlock and catch assemblies are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 18(a), the panel assembly 140 further includes a third panel 206 rotationally coupled to the second panel 204, the second panel 204 and the auxiliary pressure plate 144 are arranged side by side, the first panel 202, the second Two panels 204 , a third panel 206 and an auxiliary pressure plate 144 are arranged in a trapezoidal first array to apply a pulling force to the first garment 205 .

When the first panel 202 rotationally coupled to the side of the door 20 or the base plate 110, the second panel 204 rotationally coupled to the first panel 202, and the third panel 206 rotationally coupled to the second panel 204 are formed in a trapezoidal shape. , is longer than the width of the torso of the first garment 205 excluding the sleeves, so that a tensile force can be applied to the first garment 205 . It also includes an auxiliary pressure plate 144 so that compression can be applied to the second garment 105 regardless of the arrangement of the panels 202,204,206. When not being used to remove wrinkles in first garment 205 , panel assembly 140 can be separated and stored outside or inside first chamber 12 . Alternatively, the remaining panels excluding the first panel, that is, only the second panel and the third panel 206 can be separated. Alternatively, the panel assembly 140 may not be separated, but instead the first, second and third panels 206 may be transformed into a second arrangement in a folded configuration to reduce the space occupied.

Referring to FIG. 18(b), the panel assembly 140 further includes a third panel 206 rotationally coupled to the second panel 204, a fourth panel 208 rotationally coupled to the third panel 206, the second panel 204 and the auxiliary pressure plate. 144 are arranged side by side, and the first panel 202, the second panel 204, the third panel 206 and the fourth panel 208 form a first arrangement, which is an alphabetical W-shaped arrangement, to apply a pulling force to the first garment 205. can be added.

A first panel 202 rotationally coupled to the side of the door 20 or base plate 110, a second panel 204 rotationally coupled to the first panel 202, a third panel 206 rotationally coupled to the second panel 204, and rotationally coupled to the third panel 206. When the combined fourth panel 208 has a letter W configuration, the second panel 204 and the third panel 206 are only partially in contact with the first garment on the sides. Thus, the first garment includes a first panel 202, a fourth panel 208, a second panel 204 and a portion of the side of the third panel, a hinge connecting the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, a third panel 206 and the third panel. It abuts the hinge connecting the four panels 208 . In any case, it is sufficient that the tension force is applied to the first garment, so the second panel 204 and the third panel 206 do not need to be in contact with the garment.

Further, when the first panel 202, the second panel 204, the third panel 206, and the fourth panel 208 have a letter W shape, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are separated from the auxiliary pressure plate in the W shape. The distance B to the connecting hinge or the hinge connecting the third panel 206 and the fourth panel 208, the hinge connecting the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, and the third panel 206 and the fourth panel 208 You can adjust A, which is the distance between the two hinges. That is, when B increases, A shrinks, and when B shrinks, A increases, so that the W-shape of the panel assembly 140 can be adjusted according to the width of the body of the first garment 205 . can.

However, if the torso of the first garment 205 is W-shaped but cannot be adjusted, as shown in FIG. Plate 110 can be selectively deformed into a second array of pentagons to apply a tensile force to a first garment hung on panel assembly 140 . Therefore, wrinkles can be removed by using the pentagonal second arrangement even in the case of the first garment having a wide body portion.

When not being used to remove wrinkles in first garment 205 , panel assembly 140 can be separated and stored outside or inside first chamber 12 . Alternatively, the remaining panels excluding the first panel 202, that is, only the second panel, the third panel 206 and the fourth panel 208 can be separated. On the other hand, the panel assembly 140 may not be separated, but instead the first panel, the second panel, the third panel 206 and the fourth panel 208 may be transformed into a second arrangement in a folded configuration to reduce the space occupied. can.

Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the laundry handling apparatus 1000, the laundry handling apparatus 1000 includes a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or base plate, and at least one or more panels coupled to the first panel, The panel assembly 140 includes a panel assembly 140 in which both sides of at least one or more panels are rotatably coupled to the panels that are attracted to each other, and the panel assembly has a first panel and an array of at least one or more panels coupled to the first panel. Each panel can be selectively deformed by rotation.

It should be noted that the garment treatment apparatus 1000 is equipped to remove wrinkles in one or more garments simultaneously or separately in individual states.

The clothing treatment apparatus 1000 embodied and variously described herein includes a cabinet 10 defining a first chamber 12 and a steam unit 58 contained within the cabinet for releasing steam into the first chamber 12. .

The clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a door 20 for opening and closing the first chamber 12 and a wrinkle removing module 100 positioned behind the door 20 . The wrinkle removal module 100 includes a panel assembly 140 and a base plate 110, wherein the second arrangement of the panel assembly 140 applies a compressive force to the second garment 105 and the first arrangement of the wrinkle removal module 100 applies a tensile force to the first garment 205. Add. The wrinkle removal module 100 also exposes both garments to heated air and/or steam in the first chamber 12 of the cabinet while applying a compressive force to the second garment 105 of both garments while simultaneously compressing the first garment. A tensile force is applied to 205 . The clothes treating apparatus 1000 embodied and broadly described herein includes a cabinet 10 forming a first chamber 12 and a steam unit 58 contained within the cabinet 10 for releasing steam into the first chamber 12. include.

The wrinkle removing module 100 of the clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a plurality of panels, of which a first panel is rotatably supported by the door 20 and a second panel 204 is rotatably supported by the first panel 202. Supported. In one embodiment, the wrinkle removal module 100 has a first panel 202 pivotally supported along a proximal edge of the door of the clothes processing apparatus 1000 and a distal edge of the first panel 202. It includes a panel assembly 140 having a second panel 204 movably supported thereon.

The first panel 202 of the panel assembly 140 is the panel located far from the base plate 110 fixed on the door 20 of the cabinet 10, and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 is the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 folded. a second panel 204 arranged in an overlapping configuration and located between the first panel 202 and the base plate 110 when rotated.

In some embodiments, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are adjustable in size such that both panels have extensions or telescoping members slidably mounted with substantially parallel pressure plates. can be combined. Elastic members or slidable extensions adjust the overall length and width of the panel assembly to accommodate different size garments.

A first garment 205 is supported along one side or mounting surface of each of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . Each panel is used to secure a portion of first garment 205 such that first panel 202 and second panel 204 can rotate away from each other to apply a tensile force to first garment 205 . Contains one or more clips.

One or more clips are rotatably connected to the rearward portion 236 and include a spring-loaded forward portion 238 that provides a restoring force toward the rearward portion 236 . One or more clips include a bump-out locking portion 237 that keeps the front portion 238 open when the garment is hung on the panel. When the user applies a small amount of force to clear the protruding bom, the forward portion of the clip with bump out locking portion 237 releases and rotates toward the rearward portion to lock the clip in place to secure a portion of the garment. be able to. Non-slip pads of rubber-like material for hanging clothes are attached to the inner surface of either or both of the front 238 and rear 236 portions of the clip.

The clothes processing apparatus 1000 includes a base plate 110 fixedly supported on the inner surface of the door 20 facing the first chamber 12 of the clothes processing apparatus 1000 when the door 20 is closed. Panel assembly 140 is rotatably supported on the inner surface of door 20, or directly on the edge of base plate 110 in one embodiment. The panel assembly 140 can rotate against the base plate 110 to apply a compressive force to the second garment 105 located between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110 .

The base plate 110 is supported in a fixed position on the door 20, the panel assembly 140 is a first panel 202 pivotally supported on the door 20 and a second panel 204 pivotally supported on the first panel 202. including. A first panel 202 is supported to the door 20 along a proximal edge of the first panel 202 by one or more hinges, and a second panel is supported by one or more hinges along a distal edge of the first panel 202 . It is supported by two hinges 232,242.

In some embodiments, the panel assembly 140 is separable from the door 20 of the cabinet 10 and the panel assembly 140 can be hung on hanger support rods provided within the first chamber 12 of the cabinet 10 . In other embodiments, only second panel 204 is separated from first panel 202 .

The first garment 205 is supported by partial hangers 220, 222 provided on the first and second panels along one or mounting surface of the panels. It includes at least one clip for securing a portion of the first garment 205 such that a tensile force is applied to the first garment 205 when the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated away from each other.

If the first garment 205 is to remain unfolded, it will not fit in the first chamber 12 of the laundry processing apparatus 1000 because the first garment 205 is wider than the cabinet 10 . For example, the cabinet 10 of the clothes processing apparatus 1000 is wide enough to accommodate a pair of second clothes, but generally wide enough to allow the first clothes to be unbuttoned and laid out and arranged when hung on a hanger. It's not that.

When the door 20 of the cabinet 10 is opened, one side or mounting of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 with the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 deformed into a third arrangement in a substantially coplanar configuration. A first garment 205 can be hung along the surface. A first panel 202 is rotatably supported on the first panel 202 and includes a first partial hanger 220 that is adjustable in length and angle, and a second panel 204 is rotatably supported on the second panel 204. includes a second partial hanger 222 that is adjustable in length and angle. The first garment 205 is hung on the first partial hanger 220 and the second partial hanger 222 along one side or mounting surface of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . For the first garment, to center the first garment on the first partial hanger 220 and the second partial hanger 222 of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively, along the symmetric central axis of the first garment. You can hang buttons that are placed on the

Clips provided along the proximal edge of the first panel 202 secure the sides of the first garment, and one clip secures the connection between the left sleeve of the first garment and the left side of the torso of the first garment. However, an additional side clip can be secured below the left sleeve and along the lower left side of the first garment. Similarly, clips provided along the distal edge of the second panel secure opposite portions of the first garment, one clip securing the right sleeve of the first garment and the right side of the torso of the first garment. and an additional side clip can be secured below the right sleeve and along the lower right side of the first garment.

Once the first garment is fully hung on one or mounting surface of the first and second panels 202 and 204 by the adjustable first section hanger 220 and second section hanger 222, and secured by clips along both sides of the panels. Once locked in place, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 rotate about one or more second hinges 232, 242 away from one side or mounting surface to allow the first panel 202 to rotate relative to one another. and the second panel 204 may have an arrangement in which a tensile force having a predetermined internal angle is applied. Once the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 are rotated into a tensioned configuration that is a second alignment having an internal angle formed by both panels 202, 204, the door 20 is closed. A first garment 205 can be placed in the first chamber 12 and hung along one side or the mounting side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 .

The distance from the proximal end of the first panel 202 to the distal end of the second panel during the rotational phase, which also takes into account the radii of the second hinges 232, 242 that rotationally couple the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, is In addition, after hooking the first garment to both panels, the step of rotating the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 can eventually apply a tensile force to the first garment.

The first panel 202 of the panel assembly 140 is rotatably supported to the door 20 along the proximal edge of the first panel by one or more first hinges 272, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 being attached to the first hinge. The distal end of the panel 202 and the proximal end of the second panel 204 are rotatably connected to each other by one or more second hinges 232,242. The second panel 204 includes a secondary interlock 246 at the distal end of the other end of the second panel 204 opposite the one end where the one or more second hinges 232, 242 are located. In order to maintain the first alignment with the interior angle formed between the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, i.e., the alignment in the form of applying a tensile force, the auxiliary Interlock 246 includes an auxiliary projection 2461 that mates with a catch assembly 248 provided on the door.

One or more of the second hinges 232, 242 are not used or keep the panel assembly 140 against the base plate 110 while applying a compressive force to the second garment 105 located between the panel assembly 140 and the base plate 110. includes a hinge interlock 270 that mates with the catch assembly 248 to keep it in place.

Clips on first panel 202 and second panel 204 include one or more spring-loaded clips biased from an open position to a closed position to secure a portion of first garment 205 . When the clip is in the closed position, the clip is flush with or below the mounting surface along one side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 . Positioned in this manner, the clips do not interfere with the smooth mounting surface of the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140 when the panel assembly 140 contacts the base plate 110 to pressurize the garment hung on the base plate 110 . The clips include fixed upper clips 252, 256 having upper ends 2521, 2561, respectively, angled across the width of the door. The fixed upper clips 252, 256 connect and secure a portion of the first garment at the joints on each side of the sleeve portion of the first garment and the torso of the first garment. One or more spring-loaded clips secure the side end portions of the first garment below the sleeve portion of the first garment.

A method of removing wrinkles from clothing uses a clothing treatment apparatus that includes various embodiments of this disclosure. Here, the clothes treating apparatus comprises a cabinet 10 forming a first chamber 12, a steam unit 58 housed in the cabinet 10 and configured to supply steam to the first chamber 12, opening and closing the first chamber 12. It includes a door 20 , a base plate 110 fixed to the rear surface of the door 20 , and a wrinkle removal module 100 rotatably mounted to the rear surface of the door 20 . A method of removing wrinkles includes applying a tensile force to a first garment 205 with a first arrangement of wrinkle removal modules 100 and applying a compressive force to a second garment with a second arrangement of wrinkle removal modules 100 . .

The wrinkle removal module 100 has a panel assembly 140 that includes a first panel 202 rotatably supported on the door 20 and a second panel 204 rotatably supported on the first panel 202 . First panel 202 and second panel 204 each include at least one clip for securing respective portions of first garment 205 . A method of removing wrinkles includes supporting first garment 205 along one side of first panel 202 and second panel 204 . The first garment 205 is supported in the height direction of the door along one side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 by hanging on adjustable left and second section hangers that are coupled with the garment shoulders. . In addition, the first clothing 205 is provided at the proximal end of the first panel 202 to fix one side of the first clothing 205 and the distal end of the second panel 204 is provided with the first clip. It can be supported in the width direction of the door using a second clip that fixes the opposite side of the door.

After hooking the first garment 205 along one side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, rotating the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 relative to each other in a direction away from one side causes the first garment 205 to be hooked. A pull force can be applied to one garment 205 substantially in the width direction of the door. If the first garment 205 is a first garment with sleeves, the sleeves of the first garment cross the left sleeve of the first garment to the right side of the first garment and the right sleeve of the first garment to the left side of the first garment. A tensile force can be applied crosswise. Also, the ends of the left and right sleeves can be secured with tension clips that apply a tension force in the oblique direction of each sleeve. As the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated relative to each other, a tensioning clip that applies a tensioning force to the respective sleeve is cable rewindable with an internal coil spring embedded in the base attached to the clip by the cable extension. Tensioning clips can be used to apply the tension force, which can be used to secure the base to the door 20, panel assembly 140, or other location within the cabinet 10 of the clothes processing machine 1000, thereby allowing the clothes to be pulled. After clipping a portion of the , the direction of the applied tensile force can be reversed.

If the width of the first garment 205 is greater than the width of the cabinet 10 of the garment processing apparatus 1000, the method for removing wrinkles from the first garment includes opening the door 20 of the cabinet 10; The steps include rotating the second panel 204 relative to the first panel 202 to open the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 until the panel 204 is opened substantially flush. After arranging the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 in the open position in the same plane, the user places the first garment 205 to one side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 while the door is open. It can be hung on each partial hanger 220, 222 provided along. With two rotatably connected panels, it is possible to hang garments that are twice as wide as a single panel. After the first garment 205 is supported on the left and second partial hangers 222 and buttons arranged along the symmetric central axis of the first garment 205 are hung, clips arranged along the side of the first garment 205 are applied. to fix the sides of the first clothing 205 .

With the first garment 205 hooked to the panel assembly 140, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are rotated away from one side relative to each other such that the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are positioned between the first panel 202 and the second panel 204. The first array of wrinkle removal modules 100 deforms to form an acute angle such that when the door is closed, the first garment 205 hung along one side of the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 is placed in the first position. It can be placed in chamber 12 .

In one embodiment of a method for simultaneously removing wrinkles in two garments, a first garment 205 is hooked to the panels of the panel assembly 140 and the panels are pulled together until the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 overlap substantially parallel. Rotate assembly 140 . Therefore, a tensile force can be applied to the first garment 205 . The panel assembly 140 can be rotated relative to the door 20 to abut the second panel 204 against the base plate 110 to compress a portion of the second garment 105 between the second panel 204 and the base plate 110 . . Alternatively, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 can rotate in a folded, overlapping configuration without the garment hung on the panel assembly 140 . Hinge interlock 270 of panel assembly 140 couples to catch assembly 248 on the door to press panel assembly 140 against base plate 110 to press second garment 105 positioned between second panel 204 and base plate 110 . can be kept pressed. A panel assembly 140 having an arrangement in a folded configuration and an arrangement in which a tensile force is applied to the first garment 205 is attached to the second garment 105 positioned between the base plate 110 and the second panel 204 of the panel assembly 140. A compressive force can be applied. The door is then closed and the first garment 205 and the second garment 105 are contained within the first chamber 12 and can be exposed to heated air and/or steam for wrinkle removal.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes that come within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims (28)

A clothes processing apparatus comprising:
a cabinet with an open front;
a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the front;
a first chamber located within said cabinet for containing clothing;
an inner surface of the door located in a direction toward the first chamber;
a second chamber located below the first chamber and forming a space separated from the first chamber;
a blower unit provided in the second chamber for circulating air in the first chamber;
a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air;
a steam unit provided in the second chamber for supplying steam to the first chamber;
a base plate fixed to the inner surface of the door; and a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate, and a second panel rotatably coupled to the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel. a panel assembly capable of changing the arrangement of said first panel and said second panel by rotation of the two panels. The panel assembly includes
optionally in a triangular first arrangement with an acute angle between the first panel and the second panel, or in a second arrangement in which the first panel and the second panel are folded and overlapped. changed,
a second garment positioned between the panel assembly and the base plate by applying a tensile force to the first garment hung on the panel assembly in the first orientation or rotating toward the base plate in the second orientation; 2. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein wrinkles are removed by applying a compressive force to the fabric. The panel assembly includes
3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first arrangement has an acute angle between the first panel and the second panel, rotates toward the base plate, and is coupled to the inner surface of the door. . The panel assembly includes
said second panel rotated relative to said first panel in said second arrangement and positioned between said first panel and said base plate;
4. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second clothes are located between the second panel and the base plate. The panel assembly includes
A first hinge rotatably coupling the first panel to the door or the base plate; and a second hinge rotatably coupling the first panel and the second panel. 5. The clothing processing apparatus according to 4. further comprising a catch assembly on the door for coupling the panel assembly to the door;
6. The clothes handling apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second hinge comprises a hinge interlock coupling said panel assembly to said catch assembly in said second arrangement. The second panel comprises:
An auxiliary interlock is provided at the farthest side edge from the second hinge among both side edges of the second panel to couple the second panel to the catch assembly in the first arrangement, 7. A clothes processing apparatus according to claim 6. the hinge interlock further comprising a hinge projection inserted into the catch assembly;
When the second panel rotates in a first rotational direction for the panel assembly to change from the second orientation to the first orientation, the hinge projection rotates in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction and the 7. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the hinge protrusions are positioned in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first clothes are hung. The panel assembly includes
The first panel and the second panel can be further modified to a third arrangement in which the first panel and the second panel are rotated with respect to each other to form an arrangement in a plane open configuration,
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first garment is hung on the panel assembly in the third arrangement before being changed to the first arrangement. The panel assembly includes
After hanging the first garment in the third arrangement, rotate toward the second garment supported by the base plate to press the base plate to remove wrinkles of the first garment and the second garment. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by simultaneous removal. 2. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said panel assembly further comprises a hanger for hanging clothes. the first panel comprises a first partial hanger rotatably mounted on top of the first panel and being part of the hanger;
12. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second panel is rotatably mounted on top of the second panel and comprises a second partial hanger that is the remaining portion of the hanger. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the first partial hanger and the second partial hanger further comprises an extension adjustable according to the size of the garment hung on the panel assembly. 2. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a clip for securing clothes hung on said panel assembly. the clip has an upper end inclined in the width direction of the door, and an upper clip positioned above the first panel and the second panel;
15. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the upper clip inserts and fixes a part of the clothes hung on the panel assembly. The clip is
positioned below the upper clip for securing a portion of clothing hung on the panel assembly;
located at the other end of both ends of the first panel and the second panel;
The first panel and the second panel further comprise a lower clip rotatably coupled to each other at one end of both ends thereof, and opposite to the one end at the other end thereof. 16. Apparatus for treating clothes according to claim 15. 17. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the lower clip further comprises a protruding bump-out lock part for maintaining the open state of the lower clip. 18. The apparatus for treating clothes according to claim 17, wherein the lower clip further comprises a biasing member for keeping the clothes fixed by the lower clip. 19. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the lower clip further comprises a non-slip pad on a surface contacting the clothes to prevent the clothes from slipping. 3. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a tensioning clip for applying a tensioning force to the ends of the first garment or the second garment. an auxiliary pressure plate rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate and positioned between the panel assembly and the base plate;
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein wrinkles of the second clothes located between the auxiliary pressure plate and the base plate can be removed at the same time. 22. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the auxiliary pressure plate has an auxiliary groove recessed in the longitudinal direction of the door to prevent the seams of the second clothes from being pressed. . a first opening penetrating through the thickness of the first panel;
a second opening penetrating through the second panel in a thickness direction so as to correspond to the first opening when the first panel and the second panel are folded and overlapped;
further comprising an auxiliary opening that penetrates the auxiliary pressure plate in the thickness direction,
With the first panel and the second panel folded and overlapped, the first opening and the second opening form a central opening of the panel assembly, and the auxiliary opening is the central opening. 23. The apparatus for treating clothes according to claim 22, which is provided at a position corresponding to . the panel assembly further comprising a third panel rotationally coupled to the second panel;
The second panel and the auxiliary pressure plate are arranged side by side,
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said first panel, said second panel, said third panel, and said auxiliary pressure plate are arranged in a trapezoidal first array to apply a tensile force to said first garment. A garment processing apparatus as described. The panel assembly includes
a third panel rotationally coupled to the second panel; and a fourth panel rotationally coupled to the third panel;
in a first arrangement wherein the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panel are arranged in a W configuration; or the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the The fourth panel and the base plate are selectively changed into a pentagonal second arrangement, and the arrangement is changed according to the width of the clothes hung on the panel assembly to remove wrinkles of the clothes. 22. The clothes processing apparatus of claim 21, wherein 2. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said panel assembly is detachable from said door or said base plate. 2. The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the lengths of the first panel and the second panel is greater than the internal width of the first chamber. A clothes processing apparatus comprising:
a cabinet with an open front;
a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the front;
a first chamber located within said cabinet for containing clothing;
an inner surface of the door located in a direction toward the first chamber;
a second chamber located below the first chamber and forming a space separated from the first chamber;
a blower unit provided in the second chamber for circulating the air in the first chamber;
a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air;
a steam unit provided in the second chamber to supply steam to the first chamber;
a base plate fixed to the inner surface of the door;
an auxiliary pressure plate rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate and positioned between the panel assemblies; and a first panel rotatably coupled to the door or the base plate. At least one or more panels comprising panels, wherein each panel is arranged such that one side edge of each panel is in contact with one side edge of an adjacent panel, and is rotatably coupled to the adjacent panel. a panel assembly comprising;
The laundry processing apparatus, wherein the arrangement of the plurality of panels in the panel assembly can be selectively changed by rotating each panel.

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